Health Groups Applaud American Heart Association's New Dietary Guidance

NOPA, ASA, and USCA welcome AHA's endorsement of soybean and canola oils as heart-healthy options.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:40am

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The National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA), the American Soybean Association (ASA), and the U.S. Canola Association (USCA) have welcomed the American Heart Association's (AHA) new 2026 Dietary Guidance, which explicitly names soybean and canola oils as components of heart-healthy dietary patterns and recommends them as preferred sources of unsaturated fat for lowering coronary heart disease risk.

Why it matters

The AHA's endorsement of soybean and canola oils as heart-healthy options provides clear, science-based guidance to consumers and health professionals, and aligns with the substantial body of evidence linking the replacement of saturated fat with polyunsaturated vegetable oil to meaningful reductions in cardiovascular disease risk.

The details

The AHA statement draws on research showing that soybean and canola oils, which are rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, as well as essential fatty acids like linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (a plant-based omega-3), can help lower coronary heart disease risk when used to replace saturated fats in the diet.

  • The AHA released its new 2026 Dietary Guidance on April 1, 2026.

The players

National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA)

A trade association representing the U.S. oilseed processing industry.

American Soybean Association (ASA)

A national, non-profit organization that represents U.S. soybean farmers.

U.S. Canola Association (USCA)

A national organization that represents U.S. canola growers and processors.

American Heart Association (AHA)

A leading non-profit organization focused on heart health and cardiovascular disease prevention.

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What they’re saying

“Soybean and canola oils are among the most well-studied, heart-healthy oils available to American consumers. They are affordable, widely accessible, and backed by decades of peer-reviewed research and consistent with guidance from leading health authorities.”

— NOPA, ASA, and USCA, In a joint statement

What’s next

The NOPA, ASA, and USCA have pledged to continue advocating for science-based nutrition policy that reflects the full body of peer-reviewed evidence on the health benefits of soybean and canola oils.

The takeaway

The AHA's endorsement of soybean and canola oils as heart-healthy options provides clear, evidence-based guidance that can help consumers and health professionals make informed choices about incorporating these versatile, affordable, and widely available vegetable oils into a balanced, cardiovascular-friendly diet.