Seed oils are not ‘evil’ - they could lower your risk of disease | Prof. Sarah Berry
Sep 12, 2024
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Prof. Sarah Berry, a nutritional sciences expert at King's College London, debunks the myths surrounding seed oils like canola and sunflower. She explains their prevalence in modern diets and clarifies misconceptions about toxicity and health risks. Berry discusses the beneficial components of these oils, including omega-6 fatty acids, and highlights their role in reducing disease risk. She also addresses cooking concerns and promotes informed choices about dietary fats, encouraging listeners to embrace a balanced view of nutrition.
The fear surrounding seed oils largely stems from misinformation about their omega-6 fatty acid content and its supposed health risks.
Despite concerns over processing methods, refined seed oils retain health benefits and can safely be used for cooking.
Balancing omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in our diet is essential, as omega-6s may lower LDL cholesterol and reduce heart disease risk.
Deep dives
The Ubiquity and Perception of Seed Oils
Seed oils, such as sunflower, soybean, and canola, are prevalent in modern diets due to their affordability, neutral taste, and high smoke point. Despite their widespread usage in cooking and processed foods, many people view them as harmful, often labeling them as 'toxic'. This belief is primarily driven by concerns about the high omega-6 fatty acid content in seed oils, which some critics claim leads to increased inflammation and related health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. However, the podcast emphasizes the need to scrutinize these claims and consider scientific evidence to understand the real impact of seed oils on health.
Understanding Seed Oils and Their Production
Seed oils are extracted directly from the seeds of various plants and have become a significant source of dietary fat. The extraction process can either be cold-pressed, which retains more nutrients, or chemically refined, often involving solvents and heat to maximize yield. Although this refined oil loses some phytonutrients and antioxidants, evidence suggests the health differences between refined and cold-pressed oils may be minimal in everyday consumption. Ultimately, while the refining process might remove some beneficial compounds, it does not render seed oils as harmful or toxic as commonly perceived.
The Role of Fatty Acids in Health
Fats in our diet consist primarily of different types of fatty acids categorized as saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated. Polyunsaturated fats are further divided into omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which are essential and must be obtained through diet. Omega-6 fatty acids, commonly found in seed oils, are linked to lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and potentially reducing the risk of heart disease. The importance of balancing omega-6 and omega-3 intake is highlighted, but current research indicates that the health benefits of omega-6s may outweigh concerns regarding their higher consumption.
Debunking Myths Surrounding Seed Oils
Several misconceptions about seed oils associate their increased consumption over the years with rising rates of chronic diseases. However, these correlations do not imply causation, as numerous factors contribute to health outcomes, including dietary changes and lifestyle factors. Additionally, an understanding of how seed oils are processed helps clarify that while refinement may reduce certain nutrients, it does not produce harmful compounds. Moreover, studies indicate that heating seed oils to their smoke points may degrade flavor but not significantly impact health, challenging the narrative that cooking with seed oils is detrimental.
Practical Recommendations for Oil Usage
When selecting cooking oils, the podcast suggests considering both flavor and health impacts. Extra virgin olive oil stands out as a top choice for its health benefits, particularly in reducing cholesterol, while refined seed oils like soybean or sunflower oils offer an effective and neutral-flavored alternative. For those concerned about processed foods, the focus should be on the overall nutritional profile of items rather than just the presence of seed oils. Ultimately, increasing the intake of healthy fats, including those found in seed oils, may contribute positively to overall health.
The internet is panicking that seed oils cause inflammation and disease. Yet, they're everywhere. Canola, sunflower, safflower oil - these are all seed oils.
So why is there so much fear? And are any of the accusations true?
In this episode, we unpack the science of seed oils. With Professor Sarah Berry's expertise, we simplify what seed oils are, what the latest science says and why countless videos online say they’re toxic.
Sarah Berry is a professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at King's College London and Chief Scientist at ZOE. She reveals the surprising truth about seed oils and tips to navigate a world full of them.
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