Are Seed Oils Really Toxic? | Dr Sarah Berry

Dec 4, 2024

Dr. Sarah Berry, a nutrition science expert from King’s College London, joins to debunk myths surrounding seed oils. She discusses how current research shows these oils, when consumed moderately, do not pose significant health risks and may reduce LDL cholesterol levels. Sarah emphasizes the body's natural defenses against oxidation and inflammation. She also clarifies the extraction processes of oils and addresses misconceptions fueled by social media, offering a nuanced view on the health impacts of dietary fats.

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INSIGHT

Seed Oils Not Villains

Dr. Sarah Berry argues against the widespread concern over seed oils, suggesting they are not as harmful as many believe.
Current evidence indicates they may even offer health benefits when consumed in moderation.

INSIGHT

Oxidation and Inflammation

Seed oils contain natural antioxidants like vitamin E, which protect against oxidation.
Studies haven't shown increased oxidative stress or inflammation markers when people consume seed oils.

INSIGHT

Cholesterol Lowering

Seed oils, due to their polyunsaturated fatty acid content, can lower LDL cholesterol.
This effect is observed when seed oils replace saturated fats or refined carbs in the diet.

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Angela welcomes Dr Sarah Berry to explore common misconceptions surrounding seed oils, including concerns about rancidity, oxidation, and their association with inflammation and cardiovascular disease.

Sarah presents evidence from her extensive research, arguing that seed oils, when consumed in moderation, do not pose significant health risks and may even offer benefits, such as lowering LDL cholesterol.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Seed Oils Aren’t the Villains: Dr. Berry explains that seed oils have been misunderstood and demonised. They may lower LDL cholesterol and contain natural antioxidants like vitamin E, which protect against oxidation.
Processing Myths Debunked: Many fear the chemicals in seed oil production, but Dr. Berry notes that most are removed or present in trace amounts that pose no health risks.
Balance is Key: Olive oil remains the "king of oils," but a mix of oils, including rapeseed or sunflower, can provide various health benefits.
Omega-6 Concerns Are Overblown: High omega-6 intake is fine as long as there’s enough omega-3 in your diet to balance it out.

TIMESTAMPS AND KEY TOPICS

0:04 – Dr. Sarah Berry on misconceptions about seed oils
2:20 – Introduction by Angela Foster
4:15 – Common myths about seed oils (oxidation, inflammation, and rancidity)
8:10 – Benefits of seed oils in lowering cholesterol and inflammation
19:24 – Glass vs. plastic packaging for oils
24:04 – Comparing olive oil and rapeseed oil for health benefits
35:24 – Historical context of fats, trans fats, and dietary trends
41:04 – Deep frying and health concerns around reused oils
54:43 – Omega-6 and omega-3 ratios explained

VALUABLE RESOURCES

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Episode 86 - https://omny.fm/shows/high-performance-health/086-hph

Episode 357 - https://omny.fm/shows/high-performance-health/dark-calories-addressing-the-root-cause-of-oxidati

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ABOUT THE GUEST

Sarah is a Professor at King’s College London and Chief Scientist at ZOE, the science
and nutrition company. An academic leader in Nutrition Science, Sarah has run more
than 35 human nutrition studies and currently leads the world's largest in-depth
nutrition research program, the ZOE PREDICT study. Her research is at the forefront
of personalised nutrition, our understanding of fats and the food structure. Sarah’s
recent studies explore topics such as menopause, snacking and cardiometabolic
health.
She’s often featured as an expert on ZOE's own podcast, ZOE Science and Nutrition,
and regularly appears on television and radio to translate complex science into useful
advice.

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