Becel and Omega-3 fats
Becel has always been a source of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fat. Omega-3 fats are essential in our diet. This means that we must eat foods that contain Omega-3 to be healthy. Our bodies cannot make Omega-3 on their own.
To learn more about Becel products that contain Omega-3, read the questions and answers below.
Q. What is omega-3 fat and why is it important?
A. Omega-3 fat is a type of polyunsaturated fat that is essential in our diet. This means that we need to eat it in order to maintain good health. Omega 3 fat is a factor in normal growth and development. Alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA, is a type of omega-3 fat that is essential in our diet. There are 0.4 grams of essential ALA omega-3 fats per 10 g serving of Becel regular margarine.
Q. Has Becel recently added omega-3 polyunsaturated fat?
A. Becel has not changed; only the packaging has. Becel margarine and oil have always been a source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fat.
Q. Where do the omega-3 fats in Becel come from?
A. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fat is found in canola oil, which is one of the oils used to make Becel margarine.
Q. What are some sources of omega-3 fat?
A. Sources of Omega-3 include flaxseed, walnuts, canola oil and soft non-hydrogenated margarines such as Becel. Sources of EPA + DHA omega-3 fats include salmon, sardines, herring, halibut, and tuna.
Q. Is there a difference between the omega-3 polyunsaturates found in fish oil and those found in vegetable sources like canola oil?
A. Fish sources of omega-3 fat are called EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Vegetable source omega-3 fat is called ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). All types of omega-3 fat are factors in the maintenance of good health and it is best to consume a varied diet so you get all types of omega-3 fat. You can get more omega-3 fat in your diet by:
- Eating 2 fish meals per week
- Snacking on a small handful of walnuts
- Sprinkling ground flaxseed on your cereal or yogurt
- Cooking with canola oil or Becel margarine
Q. Why is the "source of omega-3 polyunsaturates" claim not on Becel Light or 64% less?
A. To make the claim "source of omega-3 polyunsaturates", a product has to have at least 0.3 grams of omega-3 fat per serving. Becel Regular, Becel Salt Free, Becel with Olive Oil and Becel Oil all have at least 0.4 grams omega-3 polyunsaturates per serving are allowed to say "source of Omega-3 polyunsaturates" on the tub.
Because Becel Light and 64% less are reduced in overall fat, the amount of omega-3 fat is also reduced. These varieties do not meet the requirement to make a claim. Becel Light has 50% fewer calories and 50% less fat than regular Becel and Becel 64% less has 67% less fat than regular Becel.