Why are seed oils bad and what is your source

shtbender

shtbender

Recessedcel
Joined
Aug 7, 2023
Posts
367
Reputation
489
Been hearing all this shit about seed oils but studies always show that they are healthier alternatives to saturated fats.
I dont know what to believe anymore
 
Been hearing all this shit about seed oils but studies always show that they are healthier alternatives to saturated fats.
I dont know what to believe anymore
Aajonus vonderplanitz first of all. You can find his lectures online. Blaise V on YouTube and excellent health (channel) on YouTube.
 
  • +1
  • Ugh..
Reactions: ey88 and shtbender
Been hearing all this shit about seed oils but studies always show that they are healthier alternatives to saturated fats.
I dont know what to believe anymore
Heating seed oils, which are primarily comprised of Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs), leads to the release of free radicals which causes damage all across the body.
 
  • +1
Reactions: shtbender and truecel12
Heating seed oils, which are primarily comprised of Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs), leads to the release of free radicals which causes damage all across the body.
Is there a study or a source i can read to know more?
 
First of all, when the new buzz is that food or drink X is bad for you, you have to immediately recognize that it's NEVER that clear cut. Whether or not X is good for you has almost NOTHING to do with what it is (unless it's some completely manmade chemical bullshit like aspartame) and far more to do with the quality of the product at hand.

A "seed oil" could come from a million different things. What kind of seed? Sunflower seeds? Pumpkin seeds? There's like a million different kinds of plants in the world. Second of all, how much has it been processed? Have they cold pressed it, or industrially refined it?

Actually, ChatGPT did a great job answering this so I'll just copy and paste.




You said:​

Most people say seed oils are bad. But I am confused. At face value, the notion of "seed oil" could mean a million different things. What kind of plant(s) are used for the kinds of "seed oil" that is currently demonized in the popular press? Second of all, is it that the choice of plant itself makes the oil bad, or is it that it comes from a plant which is technically a plant that is good for consumption, but has been processed in a way to make it unhealthy, like how potatoes are nutritious but potato chips are not?Anything else I should know to clear up my confusion?

ChatGPT said:​


You're right that the term "seed oil" is broad and can be confusing. Let me break it down for you:

1. What Are "Seed Oils"?

"Seed oils" typically refer to oils extracted from the seeds of plants. The kinds of seed oils often criticized in popular media include:
  • Soybean oil
  • Corn oil
  • Canola oil (from rapeseed)
  • Sunflower oil
  • Safflower oil
  • Cottonseed oil
  • Grapeseed oil
These oils are widely used in processed foods, fast food, and industrial cooking due to their affordability, long shelf life, and neutral taste.

2. Why Are Seed Oils Demonized?

The criticism of seed oils is based on several factors, but the debate often involves the following:

a. High Omega-6 Fatty Acids

  • Seed oils are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fat. While omega-6 is an essential fatty acid, the modern diet often contains an imbalance—too much omega-6 and not enough omega-3 fatty acids.
  • This imbalance is thought to promote chronic inflammation, which is linked to conditions like heart disease, obesity, and autoimmune disorders.

b. Processing and Refinement

  • Many seed oils are produced through industrial processes, including:
    • High heat and chemical extraction (e.g., using hexane, a petroleum-based solvent).
    • Refining, bleaching, and deodorizing, which may strip away nutrients and introduce harmful byproducts.
  • These processes can also lead to the formation of trans fats and oxidized compounds, both of which are harmful to health.

c. Oxidation and Heat Instability

  • Seed oils are prone to oxidation (rancidity) due to their high polyunsaturated fat content. Oxidized oils produce free radicals, which can damage cells and contribute to aging and disease.
  • When heated at high temperatures (e.g., frying), seed oils can degrade further, producing harmful compounds.

3. Is It the Plant or the Processing?

It's primarily the processing and usage that make these oils controversial, not necessarily the plants themselves. For instance:
  • Sunflower seeds are nutritious, but heavily processed sunflower oil may lose those benefits.
  • Similarly, canola oil comes from rapeseed, which has been bred to reduce harmful compounds like erucic acid, but the industrial processing can still make it unhealthy.
In other words, the plant itself isn’t inherently bad—it's how the oil is extracted, refined, and used that raises concerns.

4. Are All Seed Oils Equally "Bad"?

No. The degree of harm depends on factors like:
  • The level of refinement (e.g., cold-pressed oils are less processed than refined oils).
  • How the oil is used (e.g., low-temperature cooking vs. deep frying).
  • Your overall dietary balance of omega-6 to omega-3 fats.
Unrefined or minimally processed seed oils used in moderation are less likely to be problematic.

5. Are Seed Oils Always Worse Than Other Oils?

Not necessarily. The "best" oil depends on its fatty acid composition, processing, and cooking method:
  • Olive oil (especially extra virgin) and avocado oil are praised for their high monounsaturated fat content and minimal processing.
  • Coconut oil is stable at high heat but is high in saturated fat, which some people need to limit.
  • Butter or ghee is stable for cooking but high in saturated fat.
  • For frying, oils with higher smoke points, like avocado oil, are often preferred.

6. Anything Else You Should Know?

Here are a few points to keep in mind:
  • Context Matters: Seed oils are not inherently "toxic." The real issue is their prevalence in processed foods and imbalanced diets.
  • Moderation is Key: Small amounts of seed oils in a balanced diet are unlikely to harm most people.
  • Alternatives Exist: If you're concerned about seed oils, you can use alternatives like extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, or animal fats like butter or lard, depending on your dietary preferences.

Bottom Line

Seed oils are criticized more for their processing, omega-6 content, and industrial usage than the plants themselves. They’re not "poison" but are often overused in modern diets. Choosing minimally processed oils, balancing omega-6 and omega-3 intake, and avoiding deep-frying with seed oils are practical steps to minimize potential risks.

4o

You said:​

Are there any studies on the health effects of organic, minimally processed seed oils vs common seed oils?

ChatGPT said:​


Searched 3 sites
Studies comparing organic, minimally processed seed oils (e.g., cold-pressed oils) to common, industrially refined seed oils show distinct differences in health effects. Organic, minimally processed oils often retain more nutrients, antioxidants, and beneficial fatty acids, which may contribute to positive health outcomes. For example, cold-pressed oils like chia seed or flaxseed oil are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and have been linked to reduced inflammation and heart disease risk in preliminary studies. Similarly, unrefined oils like pumpkin seed oil exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which could reduce risks of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
On the other hand, common seed oils, such as soybean, corn, or canola oil, undergo extensive refining processes, including high heat and chemical treatments. These methods often strip oils of nutrients and introduce potentially harmful byproducts, such as trans fats and oxidized lipids, especially when used for frying. High omega-6 content in these oils is a common concern due to its potential to promote inflammation when consumed in excess without a balance of omega-3 fatty acids. However, research indicates that omega-6 fatty acids, like linoleic acid, are not inherently harmful and may even reduce heart disease risk when replacing saturated fats in the diet.
The context of consumption is crucial. The health risks often associated with seed oils stem more from their use in heavily processed and fried foods than from the oils themselves. Using minimally processed oils in appropriate amounts and avoiding overheating them can provide health benefits without the drawbacks of industrially refined oils.
For those seeking the healthiest options, experts recommend using cold-pressed oils for low-heat applications, diversifying oil types, and prioritizing oils like extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or flaxseed oil for their nutritional profiles. Avoiding deep frying and limiting processed food intake further minimizes risks.
Sources: Organic Authority, Levels, EatingWell.
 
  • Love it
Reactions: shtbender
Is there a study or a source i can read to know more?
You can find sources supporting any and every side to this debate. There is no definitive certainty because all data in the nutritional sphere is based off of correlation, not causation. There are far too many confounding variables to pinpoint what each food does to the body, so research can only get you so far. The best way to go about it is trial and error and see what works with your body.
 
  • +1
Reactions: shtbender
First of all, when the new buzz is that food or drink X is bad for you, you have to immediately recognize that it's NEVER that clear cut. Whether or not X is good for you has almost NOTHING to do with what it is (unless it's some completely manmade chemical bullshit like aspartame) and far more to do with the quality of the product at hand.

A "seed oil" could come from a million different things. What kind of seed? Sunflower seeds? Pumpkin seeds? There's like a million different kinds of plants in the world. Second of all, how much has it been processed? Have they cold pressed it, or industrially refined it?

Actually, ChatGPT did a great job answering this so I'll just copy and paste.
By far the best answer
Mirin iq
 
  • +1
Reactions: Quachil

Similar threads

Jason Voorhees
Replies
16
Views
270
asdvek
asdvek
JcPenny
Replies
62
Views
701
nofap
nofap
swaggerdoodle
Replies
4
Views
144
The Dark Phoenix
The Dark Phoenix

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top