The Seed Oil Dilemma

You may have heard lately in pop-nutrition culture that seed oils are bad…I wish I could tell you that this is a myth, but it’s 100% true!

We are mainly talking about oils such as: canola, corn, grapeseed, cottonseed, sunflower, soy, safflower as well as anything labeled “vegetable oil” which is usually some combination of the previously listed oils.

Let’s discover why…and most importantly some tips on how to avoid these toxic oils.

For a long time, I have avoided most oils.  Although there are a few good oils, most are toxic and many have genetically modified ingredients, fillers and are diluted with cheaper oils (and this of course isn’t disclosed).  

A study done in 2020, found that seed oils damage the liver by congesting it with accumulated fat as well as increasing oxidative stress (aka inflammation).  This study found that these oils elevated liver enzymes, even in small doses.¹

A couple of years earlier, oils were found to be linked to heart disease.  This 2018 study found that the main correlation was due to the fact that most seed oils are high in omega 6’s which produce inflammation when out of balance with omega 3s which is common in the standard American diet.²  This inflammation, when found in the arteries promotes coronary artery disease.

Any substance that damages the heart and liver should be avoided like the plague!

I could go on and on about all the problems caused from seed oils…but I want to spend more time on the SOLUTIONS.

Do seed oils have any good purpose?

Yes, you can use them as furniture polish or on hinges of squeaky doors.  Yes, I am serious.  Those are your options.

Are there any good oils?

Our DHA supplements are all great.  I have done extensive testing, both energetic (QRA) and blood testing (intracellular) and these oils work!  Most adults need 500-1500 mg of DHA/day.  Here are some great options: DHA caps, DHA+D, DHA+E, EPA/DHA Marine (softgels and liquid).  

Organic, unrefined coconut oil can be great, especially if you’re cooking with high heat.  Coconut oil has been shown in several studies to help reduce obesity.³  It is also great to use topically on the skin.

Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil has many beneficial properties as well.  Olive oil doesn’t work well with high heat so it’s better to add to salads or use after cooking.  The polyphenols in olive oil have been found to reduce systemic inflammation.⁴  However, finding a good source can be challenging as olive oil is one of the most contaminated foods sold.

What is the best way to avoid consuming seed oils?

I am SO glad you asked.  I get this question a lot.  The consensus is that “seed oils are in everything”.  I understand the pain point.  They’re in cereals, condiments, snack foods, protein bars, roasted nuts and so much more.  If you’re not reading labels, you’re likely getting more than you realize…especially if you eat out a lot.

But there is one fool proof way to avoid seed oils…you may not like it…it may not be easy…but it is the Truth and YOU ARE WORTH THE EFFORT.  The best way to avoid seed oils is to avoid processed foods.  If you eat mainly whole foods, you will avoid 95% of seed oil “traps”.  

Eating whole food is fun.  There are TONS of options and combinations.  Always plan ahead and pack extra snacks wherever you go.  If you do get stuck out longer than expected and need a snack, opt for grocery stores instead of gas stations or fast food.  You have much better options in terms of health and it will normally save you some money as well!

If you have a health challenge that isn’t going away, we’d love to help you get to the bottom of it!  Feel free to reach out to the clinic today at 269-204-6525.

References:

1. Ambreen G, Siddiq A, Hussain K. Association of long-term consumption of repeatedly heated mix vegetable oils in different doses and hepatic toxicity through fat accumulation. Lipids Health Dis. 2020;19(1). doi:10.1186/s12944-020-01256-0

2. Dinicolantonio JJ, O’Keefe JH. Omega-6 vegetable oils as a driver of coronary heart disease: The oxidized linoleic acid hypothesis. Open Heart. 2018;5(2). doi:10.1136/openhrt-2018-000898

3. Gao Y, Liu Y, Han X, et al. Coconut oil and medium-chain fatty acids attenuate high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice through increased thermogenesis by activating brown adipose tissue. Front Nutr. 2022;9. doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.896021

4. Gorzynik-Debicka M, Przychodzen P, Cappello F, et al. Potential health benefits of olive oil and plant polyphenols. Int J Mol Sci. Published online 2018. doi:10.3390/ijms19030686

Nothing said or implied in this post is intended to treat, cure, diagnose or prevent any disease.  It does not take the place of a qualified health care practitioner and is intended for educational purposes only.