By now, you probably know that eating problematic foods like gluten, dairy, and sugar can negatively affect your health. And while cutting out these foods can ease inflammation and relieve numerous ailments, seed oils are another problematic food that is just as important (and possibly even more so!) to cut out of your diet.
Seed or "vegetable oils" are the most commonly consumed fat in the standard American diet. You can find them in processed, packaged foods and dishes at your favorite restaurant, and to say they are "unhealthy" is an understatement.
Consuming seed oils can lead to health problems such as anxiety, headaches/migraines, mood swings, brain fog, exhaustion, and weight gain. In addition, seed oils can also increase sugar cravings.
But that's not all. Seed oils generate a significant amount of free radicals (cell-damaging reactions) in the body because they are naturally high in pro-inflammatory polyunsaturated fatty acids. Our bodies can deal with some free radicals, but not the onslaught of free radicals that seed oils produce. Too many free radicals in the body can cause damage to the lining of blood vessels, which affects blood flow and circulation overall. It also increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers (prostate, colon, breast, and pancreatic), and a decrease in immune function.
Even organic seed oils are unhealthy. Avoid the following oils (be sure to read the sneaky food labels), and you will see an improvement in your overall health:
- Canola oil
- Sunflower oil
- Safflower oil
- Soy oil
- Cottonseed oil
- Corn oil
- Rice bran oil
- Grapeseed oil
Fortunately, there are several healthy substitutes. The following oils can be consumed cold or used in cooking. However, it is important to stick to fresh, unrefined, and cold-pressed oils to ensure you get the health benefits they offer:
- Coconut oil
- Ghee
- Olive oil
- Tallow and lard
- Almond oil
- Avocado oil
- Butter
- Cocoa butter
- Macadamia nut oil
To sum it all up, seed oils can have negative consequences on health and wellness. Not only are the high amounts of Omega-6 fatty acids in seed oils inflammatory in nature, but there is also evidence linking them to mental health deterioration and a decline in overall cognitive performance. While they may be cheaper alternatives to other healthy fats, they appear to be too good to be true - which certainly rings true here. Ultimately, one should take into account both their current state of health as well as any pre-existing medical conditions when considering the use of seed oils. As always, consulting with your physician about any dietary changes is the best way to determine what works for you and your current lifestyle.
