Seed oils equal inflammation, which so many researchers back. I have been doing some research myself and it is shocking to discover that the FDA is okaying these processed oils to be consumed by the American population.
Why are Seed Oils Bad for Our Cells?
The way seed oils are extracted and the high heat they’re exposed to during processing and cooking can alter their molecular structure. This leads to an overabundance of Omega-6 fatty acids or linoleic acid.
Before the industrial boom disrupted our food system, the human diet had a natural balance of Omega-6 fatty acids. People were generally more active and consumed less sugar, and there was no easy access to the plethora of processed and fast foods available today. As a result, chronic diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes were less prevalent.
Additionally, the oxidation that occurs when these oils are heated creates free radicals and an excess of Omega-6 fatty oils. These unstable molecules can harm our cell membranes, ultimately triggering inflammation throughout our bodies as well as causing leaky gut syndrome. Over time, the buildup of free radicals contributes to chronic inflammation and various health issues.
What Seed Oils has high % of Linoleic Acid/Omega 6
- Soybean oil = 54%
- Sunflower oil = 71%
- Canola oil = 21%
- Cottonseed oil = 54%
- Corn oil = 57%
- Peanut oil = 33%
Moreover, Soybean oil is currently the biggest source of omega-6 fatty acids in the US because it is cheap and found in all sorts of processed foods.
Where are Omega-6 fatty acids found?
First off, seed oils are lurking in the fast foods and restaurants we frequent every week. They’re a cost-effective choice for cooking and frying, so be mindful. Also, watch out for those pre-made sauces and dips – things like marinades and bottled sauces often contain seed oils too.
Secondly, when you are shopping for groceries for home consumption be mindful of the ingredients seed oils are hiding in plain sight and disguised as healthy and good for you.
- Salad dressings that has the words like light or low-fat have a seed oil base.
- Mayonnaise brands contain either soybean oil or canola oil
- Packaged snacks such as chips, crackers, and cookies have soybean, sunflower as well as canola oil.
- Margarine and some spreads contain seed oils along with hydrogenated fats.
- Baked goods not only are you watching the sugar content you should also be looking for products that use seed oils. It’s used to prolong the shelf life of those products.
- Frozen meals as convenient as they are the ones with the sauces and the crust contain seed oils.
- Fried foods and American favorites, like french fries, fried chicken, and doughnuts to mention a few are fried in seed oils.
- So-called healthy snacks such as Plant-based milk and yogurts use seed oils, emulsifiers, or thickeners. A notable mention that protein and Granola bars contain seed oils as a source of fat.
It’s a good reminder to always read those ingredient labels carefully, even on products that appear to be healthy choices.
How to Balance The Intake of Omega-6 and reduce inflammation.
There are a lot of ways to balance out the Omega-6 issue. Living a healthier lifestyle could make a big difference in the way your body responds to Omega-6. Also, eliminate processed vegetable oils from your diet by not consuming the processed foods that contain them.
Make sure to read the labels/ingredients of your foods. Preparing your meals gives you control of what you are ingesting, Use Olive oil which has a low amount of omega-6.
Eat animal foods that are high in Omega-3. Consuming Omega-3 can help balance the build-up of Omega-6 that you already have stored in your body.
Foods that will provide Omega-3
- Grass-fed beef
- Pastured, Organic or Omega-3-enriched eggs
- Seafood a couple of times a week such as Salmon
If you are vegan look for supplements that contain EPA and DHA from algae to get the proper Omega-3. Not to mention that Cod liver oil and Omega fish oil supplements are available.
As a side note, Omega-3’s will also improve mental disorders like depression, and bipolar disorders.
Putting It All Together
The bottom line is too much Omega-6 is harmful to your body. It causes inflammation in your joints, vital organs e.tc. For the past 20 years or longer, The food industry has been increasingly making the population sick with their horrible industrial practices for preparing our food. Although we don’t have a voice to enact change at the source. There are things that we can do that are in our control.
- Be mindful of the ingredients in the foods that you are buying
- Stop frying your foods in seed oils
- Stay away from restaurants as well as fast food.
- Practice a healthier lifestyle. There are supplements to help with the horrible free radicals in your body already.
- Exercise
- Introducing more antioxidants in your diet it will help irradicate the free radicals.
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