TMHS 799: Why Body Fat, Inflammation, & Disease is Skyrocketing Because of Vegetable Oil - With Dr. Cate Shanahan
Jun 12, 2024
auto_awesome
Dr. Cate Shanahan discusses how processed seed oils affect health, causing inflammation and oxidative stress. She highlights the dangers of vegetable oils, the benefits of MCTs, and the impact on body fat and disease. The conversation emphasizes the importance of avoiding processed oils for better health outcomes.
Consumption of processed seed oils leads to cellular damage and inflammation.
Oxidation of polyunsaturated fats in vegetable oils causes oxidative stress and chronic diseases.
Vegetable oils deplete antioxidants, leading to prolonged inflammation in the body.
Deep dives
Harmful Effects of Vegetable Oils
Vegetable oils, specifically the 'hateful eight oils', constitute approximately 30% of the average daily calorie intake for most individuals, primarily consisting of factory-derived oils that are unsuitable for human consumption. These oils, extensively used in processed foods, undergo complex refinement processes rendering them toxic and nutritionally poor, leading to various health issues. Their widespread presence in ultra-processed foods underscores their detrimental impact on human health, contributing to the alarming rise in chronic diseases.
Vegetable Oil Composition and Health Impact
The vegetable oils, rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, react with oxygen during processing, leading to the formation of toxins that can damage human cells and DNA. The refining process of vegetable oils strips away essential nutrients, making them less nutritious. Contrary to popular belief, the smoke point of oils does not indicate their healthiness. The oxidation of polyunsaturated fats from vegetable oils can cause oxidative stress, a key factor in various chronic diseases.
Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Oxidative stress, triggered by the consumption of vegetable oils high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, can result in systemic inflammation within the body. This oxidative stress, akin to a warning signal to cells of trauma or infection, sets off an inflammatory response, aimed at protecting the body from potential threats. Chronic oxidative stress leading to inflammation is linked to a range of diseases and health issues, highlighting the significant impact of vegetable oil consumption on overall well-being.
Oxidation of Polyunsaturated Fats and Inflammatory Response
Consuming vegetable oils can deplete antioxidants needed to control inflammation, leading to prolonged inflammation in the body. This can manifest in various ways, such as severe swelling from minor injuries or increased susceptibility to infections like colds and flu due to compromised antioxidant levels. Oxidative stress plays a vital role in triggering and sustaining inflammation, contributing to conditions like asthma and severe viral infections.
Role of Antioxidants in Combating Oxidative Stress
Antioxidants play a crucial role in trapping free radicals within the body, preventing oxidative damage. While popular belief may lean towards antioxidant supplements, the body primarily relies on antioxidant enzymes, which require a balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals to function optimally. By understanding how antioxidants function as a team and the importance of nourishing the body with essential nutrients, individuals can combat oxidative stress effectively for improved health and overall well-being.
The human food supply has changed drastically over the past 100 years with the industrialization of agriculture. And one of the most prominent changes to our diet has to do with the types of fat we eat. Commercially processed oils, like canola oil and soy oil, have become prominent ingredients in nearly every product on grocery store shelves.
This change in the food supply doesn’t come without a set of consequences. Today, Dr. Cate Shanahan is back on The Model Health Show to discuss how processed seed oils are contributing to our rates of obesity and chronic diseases. Dr. Cate Shanahan is the leading authority on nutrition and human metabolism, and the author of the new book, Dark Calories. In this interview, Dr. Cate is sharing how eight common seed oils in our food supply are causing cellular damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress. You’re going to learn how processed oils are created, which specific oils to avoid, and better alternatives to include in your diet. Dr. Cate is the foremost expert in this subject matter, and today she’s bringing the latest science on seed oils to help you better nourish your body and fend off chronic diseases. Enjoy!
In this episode you’ll discover:
What percentage of the average person’s diet is processed seed oils.
How vegetable oil is made.
Why there is no safety testing for seed oils.
What oxidation is and how it works.
Which oils are categorized as vegetable oils.
What the hateful eight are.
The truth about a cooking oil’s smoke point.
What refining does to oils.
How just smelling processed oils can damage your health.
Why the medical industry affects the availability in our food supply.
What the root cause of all chronic diseases is.
The main causes of oxidative stress.
How human fat cells have changed over time.
Why vegetable oils build body fat that is hard to burn.
How oxidative stress triggers inflammation.
The connection between oxidative stress and autoimmune diseases.
How being metabolically healthy is different than being in a healthy weight range.
Why focusing on metabolic health is the key to controlling oxidative stress.
How antioxidants work in the body.
Dr. Cate’s top five favorite cooking fats.
Items mentioned in this episode include:
Ketone.com/model ß Save 30% on your first subscription order of Ketone-IQ!
Onnit.com/model ß Save an exclusive 10% on performance supplements & tools!