Biotech canola could offer even healthier oil
Dow AgroSciences LLC and Martek Biosciences Corporation say they will develop and commercialize a canola seed that produces omega-3 fatty acid, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). DHA has been touted as a fatty acid that supports brain, eye and heart health. Read more about this below.
C.S. Prakash
Biotech canola could offer even healthier oil
The Farm and Ranch Guide
June 19, 2008
A new generation of healthy canola oils could soon be available to consumers.
Dow AgroSciences LLC and Martek Biosciences Corporation have announc-ed they will develop and commercialize a canola seed that produces omega-3 fatty acid, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).
The two companies hope to eventually produce DHA-rich canola oil for people to eat.
DHA omega-3 is a healthy long-chain fatty acid that is used by the brain and eyes. It supports brain, eye and cardiovascular health.
Science is finding that people of all ages, from babies through aging adults, benefit from DHA omega-3 in their diets. Clinical studies are underway to evaluate the role of DHA in decreasing the prevalence of certain neurological disorders.
Despite its importance, Americans consume very little DHA omega-3.
Today, DHA is primarily sourced from algal fermentation and fish oil.
While canola and flax naturally contain omega-3 fatty acids, they do not contain DHA omega-3, which is found in fish.
