Dow AgroSciences LLC today showcased at the BIO 2004 Conference an improved canola oil called Natreon™. This new canola oil is a naturally-stable and healthful alternative to other vegetable oils that must be hydrogenated for commercial applications. Trans fat-free and low in saturated fat, its use can substantially improve the nutritional profile of food products by reducing both trans fat and saturated fat. Natreon is now available to restaurants, food service and food manufacturers.
Dow AgroSciences used the latest in plant breeding technology to quickly develop Natreon canola oil when the need for a trans fat oil solution was recognized. "While Natreon is not a genetically modified product, by using some of the tools of biotechnology, we were able to identify the specific genes in canola responsible for the Natreon profile," said David Dzisiak, global business leader, Oils/Oilseeds for Dow AgroSciences, and panelist at the "Biotechnology Solutions for Obesity Session," at the BIO 2004 Conference. "With the desirable genes identified, we were able to quickly develop elite canola varieties with the favorable Natreon oil profile two to three years quicker using conventional plant breeding techniques."
Reducing obesity is important as it decreases risk factors for chronic illnesses such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Changing to healthier oils in the food supply can also reduce many risk factors contributing to these diseases. According to a Harvard School of Public Health study, it is estimated that trans fat could be causing more than 20,000 deaths a year. Much of the trans fat in the American diet is attributed to fried foods and snack foods. By substituting partially hydrogenated oils with Natreon canola oil, the amount of saturated and trans fat could be reduced by as much as 85 percent in a typical cookie or cracker.
Dzisiak said, "Natreon canola oil offers the whole package - virtually trans fat free and lowest available in saturated fats. It is high in the good fatty acids that provide health benefits, has great taste and has very high functionality for the food service commercial demands."
In the early 1980's food companies turned to hydrogenated fats as a more "healthful" alternative to saturated fats found in many processed foods. "We now know through research studies that trans fats can be even more harmful to health than saturated fats, but there is a need to decrease both of these 'bad' fats," added Dzisiak.
Like traditional canola oil, Natreon contains about 7 percent saturated fat, the lowest of any vegetable oil. The unsaturated fat profile of Natreon also is desirable with more than 70 percent monounsaturated fat and a higher omega-3 polyunsaturated fat content than most of the partially hydrogenated oils it can replace.
In addition to health benefits, monounsaturated fat gives Natreon canola oil natural stability, making it ideal for high-heat applications, such as frying, and for products that require extended shelf-life, such as baked goods and snack foods. Natreon canola oil has a neutral flavor and preserves the good, clean taste of foods. It also gives fried foods a light, crisp texture, which still is number one with many consumers.
Dow AgroSciences LLC, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, is a global leader in providing pest management and biotechnology products that improve the quality and quantity of the earth's food supply and contribute to the health and quality of life of the world's growing population. Dow AgroSciences has approximately 5700 people in over 50 countries dedicated to its business, and has worldwide sales of US $3 billion. Dow AgroSciences is a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company. For more information about Dow AgroSciences, visit www.dowagro.com.
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