Which oil is NOT a good source of alpha-linolenic acid?

Which oil is NOT a good source of alpha-linolenic acid?

• A. Canola
• B. Soybean
• C. Palm
• D. Olive

Answer: (D)

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid, and different oils have different fatty acid profiles. Canola and soybean oils provide meaningful amounts of ALA, making them decent plant sources. Olive oil, however, is dominated by oleic acid (a monounsaturated fat) and contains only negligible amounts of ALA, so it does not serve as a good source of this omega-3. Palm oil is also low in ALA, but the standout for not being a good ALA source is olive oil due to its fatty acid composition. If you’re aiming to boost ALA intake, lean toward canola or soybean oils rather than olive oil.

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid, and different oils have different fatty acid profiles. Canola and soybean oils provide meaningful amounts of ALA, making them decent plant sources. Olive oil, however, is dominated by oleic acid (a monounsaturated fat) and contains only negligible amounts of ALA, so it does not serve as a good source of this omega-3. Palm oil is also low in ALA, but the standout for not being a good ALA source is olive oil due to its fatty acid composition. If you’re aiming to boost ALA intake, lean toward canola or soybean oils rather than olive oil.