The world is facing a health crisis mainly related to unhealthy nutrition and lifestyle. Heart disease, diabetes, prostate cancer, breast cancer and obesity account for 75% of all health care costs worldwide. However, a correct diet and lifestyle can contribute to prevent these chronic diseases, and this is a great opportunity for the food industry to play a key role in public health by selecting healthier ingredients. Dow is actively committed to make significant progress in the areas of adequate food supply and personal health. In particular, Dow AgroSciences is the Agricultural Sciences business unit of The Dow Chemical Company group, developing research-based technology for a sustainable agriculture.
In order to help the food-service and food processing industries lower saturated fat and trans-fat, Dow AgroSciences developed Omega-9 Rapeseed and Sunflower Oils (www.omega-9oils.com), which are very high in heart-healthy monounsaturated (Omega-9) fat and very low in saturated fat. These oils represent the next generation of cooking oils because they deliver healthier foods without compromising taste or performance. Omega-9 Oils have a unique combination of high oleic (Omega-9) and low linoleic fatty acids, providing a clean taste and superior performance.
Omega-9 Rapeseed and Sunflower Oils are main benefits are related to their uniquely high (>70%) monounsaturated fat content, making them naturally stable and a healthier alternative to other commercial oils. For example, Omega-9 Oils has already removed more than 500 million kg of saturated fat from the North American diet since 2005.
- Omega-9 oils do not compromise real, natural flavour of foods (unlike other oils, they are flavourless and do not interfere with the taste of food)
- In frying and baking uses, Omega-9 Oils make significant improvements in the health profile of fried and sautéed foods, and baked goods, for example by reducing up to 94% the presence of saturated fat in French fries
- Omega-9 Oils impact several major health threats like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular and coronary disease
- Consumers are more aware and willing to pay a premium for healthier options