Minsk Margarine Factory Rapeseed Oil Drinking Trend: A Contentious Health Trend
Workers at a Minsk factory, unknowingly captured on camera, were observed consuming oil, leading to a significant health concern.
The Minsk margarine factory has created a stir with a viral TikTok video featuring workers consuming rapeseed oil, a cooking oil not typically intended for human consumption. The video, which received nearly a million views in just a day, has sparked debate over the safety and appropriateness of the trend.
In the video, all factory workers, including the forklift driver, participate in the "recharging" with rapeseed oil. President Alexander Lukashenko also joined in, drinking rapeseed oil on August 8. The video features factory workers with smiling faces, suggesting they are having a good time. However, it does not show them actually drinking the rapeseed oil.
Despite the trend, users believe that rapeseed oil is for cooking, not drinking. One comment advises taking out the white thing before pouring the oil, possibly referring to the filter inside the container. Another commenter recalls being told that sunflower oil, not rapeseed oil, is healthy to drink a teaspoon of, but they did not drink it.
A small detail was overlooked in the video: rapeseed oil is not meant for human consumption. Rapeseed oil contains erucic acid, a fatty acid that can be harmful in large quantities. Modern rapeseed oils, often labelled as canola oil, have low erucic acid levels, but excessive erucic acid exposure has been linked to heart issues in animal studies.
However, some commenters on the viral video defend rapeseed oil, stating it contains Omega-3-6-9 fatty acids, antioxidants, and beneficial minerals. Rapeseed oil is indeed high in monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, which have cardiovascular benefits. It also contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative damage and supports skin and immune health.
Despite these potential benefits, raw consumption of rapeseed oil should be done with caution. If choosing to drink rapeseed oil, limit the amount to small doses (for example 1-2 teaspoons daily) rather than larger quantities. Use only cold-pressed, food-grade rapeseed oil known for purity and safety. Avoid oils meant for industrial use or margarine production that may contain additives.
As with any health trend, individual responses may vary, and consulting healthcare professionals is advised. The controversy surrounding the Minsk margarine factory's rapeseed oil drinking trend underscores the importance of understanding the appropriate use of food products and the potential risks associated with their misuse.
