Seed Oils are Killing Us! Right?

What are seed oils?

Many of the food products we use on a regular basis contain seed oils, especially if you’ve ever had the delight of shopping at Trader Joe’s. They are basically oils that come from the seeds of plants, like canola, soybean, sunflower, and corn. They're really common in cooking because they have a neutral taste and can handle high heat (like the Yanks top of the lineup), making them great for frying and baking. You'll also find them in lots of processed foods and salad dressings.

What’s the controversy over them?

If you’ve ever seen the nut cases on social media below walking around a grocery store telling you everything in the place is going to kill you, then you already know…

Food Science Babe is a chemical engineer/food scientist and social media creator. She tells us the controversy often revolves around a naturalistic fallacy—the idea that “natural” is inherently good and “processed” is bad. She emphasizes that whether a food is processed or not doesn’t inherently determine its safety or nutritional value. Instead, the context in which these oils are consumed, such as in a balanced diet, is what truly matters.

She highlights that much of the fear surrounding seed oils—like claims that they are highly inflammatory or toxic—stems from misinformation and misunderstanding of basic food science.

Dr. Layne Norton, nutritional sciences Ph.D. and evidence-based content creator agrees. Norton explains that the controversy around seed oils is largely based on misinformation and unsupported claims that they are toxic or highly inflammatory. He argues that seed oils are safe when consumed in moderation and that the focus should be on overall diet quality rather than vilifying specific ingredients. Dr. Norton emphasizes that fear-based narratives often oversimplify complex nutritional science, leading to unnecessary confusion.

Are there certain oils that are more nutrient rich?

Dr. Norton points out that some oils, like extra virgin olive oil, are more nutrient-rich because they're packed with healthy fats and antioxidants. He often mentions that olive oil stands out for its monounsaturated fats and polyphenols, making it a great choice for overall health. But he also emphasizes that what's most important is your overall diet, not just the type of oil you use.

While oils like extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil can offer more nutrients than some other oils, it’s important to know that there is really no strong evidence that seed oils will harm our health in anyway. It simply seems to be a strategy used by fear-mongering social media creators to get clicks and views…just like the title of this issue!

To learn more about seed oils check out Dr. Layne Norton’s You Tube post on the subject here.

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Be well,

Dave

Please note: This newsletter is designed for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for advice tailored to your health and fitness needs.