(NC) Canola is one of the healthiest cooking oils in the world. Here are five fun facts about canola:

1. Canola was developed right here in Canada and is now one of our largest crops, contributing more than 250,000 Canadian jobs and $11.2 billion on wages, according to the Canola Council of Canada.

2. Canola belongs to the same family as cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli.

3. Canola is free of cholesterol and trans-fat and low in saturated fats, making it a heart-healthy choice for cooking.

4. Special high oleic canola varieties are used in lubricants, fuels, and other industrial products, making them green alternatives to those with non-renewable ingredients.

5. Canola oil is great for cooking a variety of meals. It's light, clear and mild in flavour, making it ideal for baking and stir-frying. It high smoke point means it's also great at withstanding high cooking temperatures.

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