The NOT So Scary TRUTH about Seed Oils

-


If you're on social media you know all the BUZZ about seed oils. We all know those social media influencers who walk around grocery stores dissing food that has seed oils in the ingredients. 

But are seed oils really that "toxic" and why do people claim they are?

First of all, what are seed oils? 
 
Seed oils are used for cooking. The oil is extracted from various plants by a chemical or mechanical process. Seed oils may be used at home, such as in a recipe for baking, or added to a frying pan for cooking, or even used for a salad dressing recipe. 

The most common seed oils include:
- Canola Oil
- Corn Oil 
- Cotton Seed Oil 
- Soybean Oil 
- Sunflower Oil
- Safflower Oil 
- Grapeseed Oil 
- Rice Bran Oil 
- Peanut Oil

Critics claim that the extraction process releases toxic byproducts in the oils. Hexane is used to extract the oil from the seed and can be toxic in a gas form. BUT the hexane is evaporated off in the process of extraction. 

But are they really that toxic? 

According to Julia Zumpano, RD, LD at the Cleveland Clinic seed can be healthy and unhealthy for people. Seed oils are mostly in foods that are not considered healthy such as ultra-processed foods. They aren't necessarily good for people but the reason they're usually marked as "toxic" is how they're used. Julia Zumpano, RD, LD states "I think that’s why we’re hearing about them as being so bad for your health. But it’s less about the seed oils themselves and more about the fact that they’re so often found in ultra-processed foods.” 

Overall seed oils should be consumed in moderation such as any type of oil. Rather than focusing on just a seed oil ingredient, it is best to consume more whole foods and reduce ultra processed foods from your diet. 


L.G. 


References: 
https://www.massgeneral.org/news/article/seed-oils-facts-myths 
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/seed-oils-are-they-actually-toxic 

Comments

  1. nina macaliNovember 2, 2024 at 8:37 PM

    This is a great topic! We hear so much about seed oils and to stay away and there is so much misinformation out there! "Overall seed oils should be consumed in moderation such as any type of oil. Rather than focusing on just a seed oil ingredient, it is best to consume more whole foods and reduce ultra processed foods from your diet. " That last section is so true!! something so simple, yet so difficult

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Do you struggle with pre and post exercise nutrition?

-
Image
What should i eat before and after a workout? First things first…carbohydrates, proteins and fats are important for the body before  and after exercise. Exercising muscle preferentially uses carbohydrates from stored glycogen, but fats are also an important fuel source for energy production during exercise. Fats and carbohydrates are the two major fuel sources during exercise. Fats must be translocated and broken down from their storage form before they are used. Typically there is enough carbohydrate stored as muscle glycogen for exercise but as muscle glycogen stores decline, the skeletal muscle will then use some amino acids (basic components of all protein). More specifically, the amino acid leucine is used for energy.              It is important to consume an adequate amount of carbohydrates exercise to delay fatigue and minimize gastrointestinal distress. It is also important to consume enough fluids to prevent hypohydration. Now, lets talk about pre-exercise me
Read more

Child Malnutrition

-
New approach to childhood malnutrition may reduce relapses, deaths http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/02/150211124024.htm               Moderate acute malnutrition is experienced by 35 million children worldwide. A new study led by researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has suggested that feeding children until they have met target measures of arm circumference and weight may be more important than a set 12 week feeding time. However, researchers have found that the current targets, set by the World Health Organization (WHO) may not be sufficient and raising these targets slightly could significantly reduce the risk of relapse in malnourished children; a condition that has a 37% relapse rate. The study took place in rural Malawi and was comprised of 2,349 moderately malnourished children aged 6 months to 5 years old. Children were evaluated 12 months after treatment; 1,967 received a soy-based supplement for 12 weeks while the other 3
Read more

Harvest of the Month

-
Image
Harvest of the Month  August – Corn Good source of  fiber Carbohydrate source for energy Antioxidants Contains vitamins and minerals ½ cup or 1 ear = 80 calories   http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=90 September – Watermelon High in vitamin A and vitamin C Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory support 1 cup cubed = 46 calories http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=31 October – Apples High in fiber Vitamin C Abundant amount of antioxidants 1 medium = 95 calories  http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=15 November – Squash and Pumpkin High in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B2, B3 & B6 Many minerals  High in fiber Multiple antioxidant properties  1 cup = 76 calories  http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=63 December – Pears Contains fiber Vitami
Read more