The dangers of seed oils
You have probably heard by now about the dangers of vegetable and highly processed seed oils. The warning against consumption of these oils is actually very underrated, and should be highly avoided. Let’s take a look at why they are considered to be so harmful.
“Seed oils” are oils that are highly processed and hydrogenated. These are well known by the names of Palm oil, canola, oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, soybean oil, safflower oil, corn oil, sesame seed oil, cottonseed oil, and rapeseed oil. The problem with these oils is that that these they are high in linoleic acid, which is very inflammatory to the body. Although many argue that these seed oils help reduce cholesterol levels, their inflammatory properties cause far more damage within the body than any benefit that can be named. During the chemical extraction process, solvents like hexane and high-heat processes can cause the fats to be oxidized, which creates oxidative stress and free radicals to be formed in the body. Free radicals can cause damage, ultimately leading to disease, inflammation and dysfunction. You would have to eat a diet extremely high in antioxidants, and additionally take an unnecessary number of antioxidant supplements to help fight the amount of free radicals these oils can produce.
The biggest concern comes with the correlation between skin cancer and the excess or growing consumption of these oils. Many people blame the sun, which we know not to be true. In fact, in areas of the country where people get the least amount of sun exposure happens to be the states in which there is the highest rate of skin cancer. We have also seen studies showing the correlation between sugar consumption increase, fat consumption increase, and seed oil consumption increase. Seed oils were increasingly introduced in the 1950’s and were used in more food products as the years went on. Based on the study, an increase in the consumption of seed oils was the only factor was positively correlated with the rise in skin cancer. Well, that and the use of sunscreen, a topic for another day. When we eat these oils, they stay in our body for over 600 days. They get into our cells, tissue, and bloodstream, wreaking all kinds of havoc. The worst part, those who eat a diet high in high processed oils, are less likely to tan, more likely to burn and burn severely, and less likely to absorb sunlight properly.
Additionally, when the “low fat” campaign made its way around the country, skin cancer rates soared. This is because we need healthy at sources in the body in order for vitamin D to be absorbed. Vitamin D is a fat soluable vitamin. Without a diet high in saturated fats, this vitamin that we get with at least 30 minutes of direct sun exposure a day, is not likely to be properly absorbed and stored within the body for use. Insufficient levels of vitamin D (best from sunlight source) throws off all of our vitamin and mineral levels since they all work together. Magnesium and calcium in particular, are very dependent on vitamin D levels, and vise versa. With this in mind, it is important to get proper sunlight exposure each day, avoid seed oils, and nourish yourself with a diet high in healthy saturated fats, magnesium, and calcium for better vitamin D absorption, and a better chance at a nice tan.
How to avoid seed oils:
Do not cook with any of the oils listed above
avoid peanut butter, pre-made salad dressings, or any other grocery store items that likely contain these oils listed on the ingredients label
Avoid eating out unless the restaurant is known for use beef tallow or healthy fat sources (You can use Seed Oil Scout App to find restaurants in your area that do not use seed oils when cooking or serving their food)
Opt to cook at home so that you are in control of what oils you are using in your food
What oils should I use?
Coconut oil
Grass-fed beef tallow
Grass-fed Ghee
Avocado Oil
Olive Oil (Make sure to find a source with a harvest date, amber glass bottle, and from one country of origin)
Grass-fed butter
The best thing you can do for your body, skin, and overall health is to stay away from these oils. Cook at home and avoid eating at restaurants that do not actively avoid these oils. Carefully read all of the ingredient labels when grocery shopping, and stay up to date on companies that are sneakily switching to seed oils are bettering their products by removing them.
