why you want to avoid seed oils

maybe you’ve been a lot lately to “avoid seed oils” — but what does it mean? why should we? well, seed oils, also known as vegetable oils, have unfortunately become increasingly popular in modern diets due to their availability and relatively low cost. however, there are concerns about the potential dangers associated with the consumption of certain seed oils. it's important to note that not all seed oils are considered unhealthy but there are many that are. seed oils can cause an inflammation in our bodies which is a true silent killer. constant inflammation in the body is one of the worst things that we can do to ourselves as it leads to so many other problems. so! here are some seed oils that are often associated with potential health concerns:

1. soybean oil: commonly used in processed foods and as a cooking oil. it is high in omega-6 fatty acids and is often extracted using chemical solvents.

2. corn oil: like soybean oil, corn oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids and is often extracted using chemical solvents. it is commonly used in cooking and frying.

3. sunflower oil: sunflower oil is another oil high in omega-6 fatty acids. it is often used in cooking and as a salad dressing.

4. safflower oil: high in omega-6 fatty acids and is commonly used in cooking and food preparation.

5. cottonseed oil: cottonseed oil is derived from the seeds of cotton plants and is often used in processed foods. it has a high omega-6 fatty acid content and may contain pesticide residues due to conventional cotton farming practices.

6. canola oil: while canola oil is often marketed as a "healthier option due to its low saturated fat content, it is high in omega-6 fatty acids. most commercially available canola oil is derived from genetically modified crops.

to continue, here are some of the potential risks associated with certain types of seed oils commonly found in the Western diet:

1. omega-6 fatty acids imbalance: seed oils, such as soybean, corn, sunflower, and safflower oils, are high in omega-6 fatty acids. while omega-6 fatty acids are essential for the body, an excessive intake of these fatty acids, especially in relation to omega-3 fatty acids, can lead to an imbalance. the typical Western diet is already abundant in omega-6 fatty acids, primarily due to the prevalence of seed oils, processed foods, and grain-fed animal products. this imbalance can contribute to chronic inflammation, which is associated with various health issues, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, and inflammatory conditions.

   1. if you’re going to consume omega-3 fatty acids, do it through whole foods such as cold-water fish including fresh-caught salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, and sardines. or through nuts and seeds including walnuts, flaxseed, or chia seeds.

2. oxidative stress and free radicals: seed oils are prone to oxidation due to their high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids. when exposed to heat, light, or air during processing or cooking, these oils can become rancid and generate free radicals. free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative damage to cells and tissues, leading to inflammation and contributing to the development of chronic diseases.

3. processing methods: the extraction and refining processes used to produce seed oils often involve high heat, chemical solvents, and bleaching agents. these processes can degrade the quality of the oil and result in the formation of harmful byproducts, such as trans fats and toxic compounds like hexane residues. trans fats are known to raise bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and lower good cholesterol (HDL) levels, increasing the risk of heart disease.

4. nutrient imbalances: relying heavily on seed oils in the diet may lead to imbalances in essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins. some seed oils contain minimal amounts of beneficial nutrients like vitamin E, while others may have an imbalanced ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. this can impact overall nutritional status and increase the risk of deficiencies.

5. genetic modification and pesticide exposure: many seed oils are derived from genetically modified crops, such as soybeans and corn. genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have raised concerns regarding their potential long-term health effects. additionally, conventional farming practices may involve the use of pesticides, which can contaminate the oil and potentially pose health risks.

to promote a healthier diet, it is advisable to reduce reliance on seed oils and opt for healthier alternatives such as extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, or butter or ghee (clarified butter), which have a more favorable fatty acid profile. as always, it's important to focus on a well-rounded and balanced diet that includes a variety of whole foods, emphasizing fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins.

It's important to remember that moderation and balance are key when it comes to dietary fat intake. Consuming small amounts of these oils occasionally as part of a diverse and balanced diet may not pose significant risks. However, for optimal health, it's advisable to focus on incorporating healthier oils like extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil, which have more favorable fatty acid profiles.