Does canola affect hormone levels, specifically, could it cause low progesterone levels in women?
To date, there is no research that has assessed the effects of any vegetable oil, including canola, on hormone levels in women. Eicosanoids produced from DGLA, AA, and EPA do modify eicosanoid production but not to the extent that isoflavones from flaxseed or phytosterols from soybean products such as tofu will. Normal intakes of any oil, including canola oil, would not alter progesterone levels to any measurable extent. Canola meal is not used in human foods due to tannins and high fibre levels; therefore, assessments of phytosterol content and/or activities have not been determined.
