Are Seed Oils Toxic?

Seed oils, also known as vegetable oils, are commonly used in food processing and cooking due to their relatively low cost and high smoke points. The eight industrial seed oils found in many food products in the U.S. are Canola, Corn, Cottonseed, Soy, Sunflower, Safflower, Grapeseed and Rice bran.

Industrial seed oils are highly processed and extracted from soybeans, corn, rapeseed (canola), cottonseed, sunflower and safflower seeds. Many health and nutrition experts in the U.S. are now sounding the alarm on the potential harm of seed oils in our food and the link to chronic health problems in the United States. Why?

Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratio: Seed oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, especially linoleic acid. While omega-6 fatty acids are essential for the body, an imbalance in the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to inflammation. The typical Western diet tends to be high in omega-6 fatty acids and low in omega-3s, which can promote inflammation.

Oxidative Stress: Seed oils, particularly when exposed to high heat during cooking or processing, can undergo oxidation. Oxidized oils produce free radicals, which contribute to oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress is linked to inflammation and various chronic diseases.

Endothelial Dysfunction: Consumption of seed oils has been associated with endothelial dysfunction, which refers to impaired function of the inner lining of blood vessels. Endothelial dysfunction is a precursor to atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of arteries) and can contribute to inflammation within blood vessels.

Gut Health: Some research suggests that a high intake of omega-6 fatty acids, such as those found in seed oils, may negatively impact gut health by promoting gut permeability and inflammation in the gut lining. This can lead to systemic inflammation and contribute to various health issues.

Processed Nature: Many seed oils undergo extensive processing, including refining, bleaching, and deodorizing. These processes can strip the oils of nutrients and antioxidants, making them more prone to oxidation and potentially more inflammatory when consumed.

Not ALL seed oils are equally inflammatory. Oils like olive oil or avocado oil, which are rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, have less inflammatory potential compared to highly processed seed oils like soybean oil or corn oil.

For more information, Eight Toxic Seed Oils: What You Need to Know. Or watch this video on how seed oils play a part in macular degeneration and other chronic illnesses.