Industrial seed oils, also known as vegetable oils are in nearly everything. If you use common cooking oils, eat pre-packaged foods, or dine out at most restaurants, you’re probably eating them every day. Prior to becoming a health coach, I didn't realize how bad they are for you. In fact, I remember when canola oil was supposed to be "good for every body" because it is low in saturated fat & is a source of omega-3 fatty acids.
WHAT ARE SEED OILS?
Seed oils are a type of refined vegetable oil in which the oil comes from the seed of a plant, rather than the actual fruit. The most common seed oils include canola oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, and safflower oil.
Seed oils are extremely neutral in taste and have a high smoke point. That’s why many home chefs reach for seed oils when they want an unobtrusive, mild-flavored oil to cook or bake with. Because they are made from agricultural surplus, seed oils are very cheap for the consumer - next time you're at the store, compare a bottle of canola oil to a bottle of extra virgin olive oil.
ARE SEED OILS BAD FOR YOU?
Industrial seed oils are highly reactive and unstable and they contain inflammatory linoleic acid, which is associated with heart disease, cancer, dementia, and other health problems. Seed oils are also high in Omega 6 fatty acids - too much omega-6 fatty acids can change the way cells react and have harmful effects on cells in the heart and blood vessels, leading to chronic inflammation.
The eight industrial toxic seed oils are:
-Canola
-Corn
-Cottonseed
-Soy
-Sunflower
-Safflower
-Grapeseed
-Rice bran
While it may seem impossible to avoid them all, the biggest takeaway is to keep in mind that they're most commonly found in processed foods including some more obvious unhealthy foods like cookies and candy, but they are also present in things like store-bought hummus and salad dressings.
TIPS FOR REDUCING OR ELIMINATING SEED OILS IN YOUR DIET
Read the ingredients - I am almost always that person at the store checking every label and ingredient (perhaps why it usually takes me 2+ hours to grocery shop!)
Make your own mayonnaise and salad dressing using avocado oil or olive oil.
Find alternatives to fried foods when eating out.
Don't be shy about bringing your own dressings when going out - or ask for a side of olive oil and use that as your dressing.
BEST OILS TO USE FOR COOKING
Coconut Oil
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Avocado Oil
references: zero acre, healthline, goop, mindbodybasics
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