If you are like me, you are looking to optimize your health using the best research available. But not everything that is advertised as “healthy” is actually good for us. As I get older, I’m looking for every advantage I can find to reduce aches and pains, support my metabolism, build lean muscle and loose unwanted fat. One way I have found to help in this journey is to cut out products that can slow or reverse my progress towards health and wellness. Seed oils, such as canola, corn, peanut, soybean, and sunflower oil, are commonly used in cooking and food processing. However, recent research has raised concerns about the health effects of consuming these oils. Here are some of the cons of seed oils that you should be aware of:

  1. High in Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Seed oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which are polyunsaturated fats, and should be consumed in a much smaller proportion compared to omega-3 fatty acids. When consumed in excess (or consumed at all as some studies suggest), seed oils can lead to chronic inflammation in the body, which is linked to a range of health problems, including arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
  2. Processed with Chemicals: Seed oils are often processed using harsh chemicals, such as hexane, to extract the oil from the seeds. This can leave behind toxic residues that can have negative health effects.
  3. Low in Nutrients: Seed oils are low in nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, and provide empty calories. Consuming a diet high in these oils can lead to nutrient deficiencies and contribute to the development of chronic diseases.
  4. Oxidative Stability: Seed oils are susceptible to oxidation, which can occur during cooking or storage. This can lead to the production of harmful compounds, such as free radicals and advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which can damage cells and contribute to the development of chronic diseases.
  5. Most fast foods, packaged foods, and convenience foods contain or are cooked in seed oils. It is well known that these types of foods are typically high in calories, low on available nutrients, and should be minimized in our diets.

Although seed oils might be a convenient and inexpensive option for cooking, it’s important to consider alternative, healthier oils derived from fruits, such as olive, avocado, or coconut oil. Animal fats, such as butter, ghee, and tallow are also good alternatives to consider. Check the nutritional label on the foods you eat on a regular basis and let me know how many products have seed oils in them. I look forward to hearing about any research you find supporting or condemning seed oils so we can all learn more and “Be Better” together.

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