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The high levels of omega-6 linoleic acid in seed oils are what make them bad for health.
While top public health organizations have claimed seed oils are safe and linked to positive health outcomes, an increasing number of mainstream viewpoints are now questioning their safety and potential harm.
Many studies supporting the health benefits of seed oils are based on observational studies, which only show correlation and not causation. These studies often rely on biomarkers like cholesterol levels, rather than actual health outcomes, like mortality.
Seed oils, high in omega-6 fats, can lead to oxidative stress, which occurs when the body has more free radicals than antioxidants. Oxidative stress is linked to inflammatory conditions and diseases, including heart disease. Seed oils may also contribute to the production of oxidized polyunsaturated fats that contribute to disease.
Seed oils have become the default choice in cooking due to the unpopularity of animal fats, trans fats, and palm oil. While no chef or restaurant is thrilled about using seed oils like canola and soybean oil, they have become the go-to option by process of elimination. Soybean oil, in particular, is the most consumed vegetable oil in the US, with a significant portion coming from restaurants and fast-food establishments. The prevalence of seed oils in the standard American diet is also found in packaged foods, such as pasta sauce, salad dressings, chips, and baby food. An alarming issue is that infant formula, modeled after modern mothers' breast milk, contains high levels of seed oils, contributing to a cycle of increased seed oil consumption.
Seed oils, particularly due to their high omega-6 linoleic acid content, pose health risks and are a major contributor to chronic diseases. While moderate consumption of seed oils may not have immediate adverse effects, long-term harm can accumulate, leading to chronic illness. The adverse impact of seed oils also extends beyond health concerns, as the toxins they release when heated can be inhaled and pose risks to the respiratory system. However, complete avoidance of seed oils in daily life can be challenging, especially when dining out or consuming packaged foods. Striking a balance, it is crucial to educate individuals about the risks associated with seed oils and encourage reduced consumption.
Zero Acre, a company focused on providing a healthier cooking oil option, offers an oil made from fermented raw sugar that is expeller-pressed to produce zero-acres oil. This oil addresses the concerns associated with seed oils by offering a neutral, healthier alternative suitable for various cooking applications. Apart from its health benefits, Zero Acre oil has shown promising results in deep frying, reducing oil absorption and leading to crispier food. The product is already available for consumers and has received positive feedback. The company is also working towards introducing it to restaurants, with partnerships already in place with several establishments, including Chipotle.
Seed oils, such as canola oil and soybean oil, have become widely used in the food industry despite being harmful to our health. These oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can lead to inflammation and metabolic issues. Avoiding seed oils, along with refined sugars and refined flours, can have a significant positive impact on our overall health.
Jeff, the founder of Zero Acre, is on a mission to create a healthier alternative to seed oils. The company uses fermentation to produce oil from non-GMO sugar cane, resulting in a neutral-tasting, high smoke point oil. This oil can be a substitute for seed oils in cooking and food production, offering health benefits without compromising flavor or functionality. By providing a sustainable and healthier oil option, Zero Acre aims to improve the food industry and promote better health for consumers.
This episode is brought to you by WHOOP and Rupa Health.
Vegetable oils are a hot topic in the wellness world. Some believe they’re a heart-healthy alternative to saturated fats, while others claim their impact is far worse for our overall health than we initially thought. If you’re confused about seed oils, this episode is for you.
Today on The Dhru Purohit Podcast, Dhru sits down with Jeff Nobbs to discuss the top seed oils consumed today and why they are so problematic for cardiometabolic health.
Jeff Nobbs is the cofounder and CEO of Zero Acre Farms, a food company replacing destructive vegetable oils with a healthier, more sustainable option. With over 15 years of experience in health and nutrition, Jeff has cofounded several start-ups to offer better-quality ingredients and nutrition-forward foods to people and communities, including the fast-casual restaurant chain Kitava.
In this episode, Dhru and Jeff dive into (audio version / Apple Subscriber version):
-Why seed oils aren’t as good for us as we initially thought (0:32 / 0:32)
-The impact of seed oils on the body (2:34 / 2:34)
-How to test your omega-6 blood levels (10:38 / 8:08)
-The history of seed oils and how they’ve become so pervasive (12:16 / 9:59)
-Why trans fats were “banned” from commercial production (20:06 / 18:40)
-Observational research and the argument for seed oils (30:01 / 27:07)
-Randomized controlled trials and the argument against seed oils (41:13 / 36:35)
-Jeff’s story and how he became involved with seed oils (52:40 / 50:25)
-The top seed oils consumed in restaurants and ultra-processed foods (59:20 / 57:04)
-The downsides of fear-mongering seed oils in mainstream media (1:13:05 / 1:09:16)
-The adulteration of olive oil and avocado oil and why it’s a problem (1:22:50 / 1:20:32)
-Jeff’s thoughts on high-oleic oil (1:33:20 / 1:31:05)
-About Zero Acre Farms’ mission and their cultured oil’s flavor, calorie density, and environmental impact (1:38:32 / 1:36:12)
-The top dietary principles Jeff follows to keep himself healthy (1:58:42 / 1:56:21)
-The top lifestyle principles Jeff follows to keep himself healthy (2:04:08 / 2:01:50)
Also mentioned in this episode:
-McDonald’s Broke My Heart - Malcolm Gladwell
-The Minnesota Coronary Heart Experiment
For more on Zero Acre, follow them on Instagram @zeroacrefarms and Twitter @zeroacrefarms.
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Access more than 3,000 specialty lab tests with Rupa Health. You can check out a free, live demo with a Q&A or create an account at RupaHealth.com today.
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