Kennedy doesn’t like seed oils: 10 facts to know: Hawaiʻi health matters

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Recently, the Associated Press reported on Health Secretary Robert Kennedy’s move to alter how the Department of Health approaches seed oils.

The demarcation of “seed oils” is a relatively new concept; so, let’s take a look at what they are.

Seed oils have long been staples in kitchens in the United States. But critics are arguing that seed oils contribute to inflammation and chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes.

They are citing the oils’ high omega-6 content as their concern. However, nutrition scientists dispute these claims and point to their research that shows these oils do not support a link between seed oils and chronic inflammation.

Instead, studies suggest that replacing saturated fats with seed oils can lower bad cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

While seed oils are commonly found in processed and fast foods, experts believe poor health outcomes are primarily due to the overall diet. They point to high sugar, sodium and refined grains intake rather than seed oils themselves.

While the debate rages, KHON2.com did a bit of digging to find out the 10 most important facts to know about seed oils and your health.

1. What are they?

Seed oils come from plant seeds and are commonly used in cooking and food production. The most common seed oils you’ll find in processed foods include:

2. Seed oils are high in omega-6

These oils contain omega-6 fatty acids, and these components are essential. However, consuming them must be balanced with omega-3 fatty acids from other sources. This is what omega-6 fatty acids do:

3. Health benefits

Studies suggest that by replacing saturated fats (tallow and butter, for example) with seed oils one can lower bad cholesterol and reduce their risk of heart disease.

4. How they’re processed

Most seed oils are refined using heat and chemicals. This process is used to extend the oils’ shelf lives and neutralize their taste. However, the high heats needed to accomplish this take these oils above smoke points which leads to the oils becoming toxic. Heating seed oils experience:

5. The inflammation debate

Some claim high omega-6 levels promote inflammation, but their research does not support this claim. Other experts believe seed oils in processed foods may contribute to leaky gut. This is a condition where the gut lining becomes weak and lets harmful substances enter the bloodstream.

6. Are seed oils really a healthier alternative?

One study found that when you replace butter with plant-based oils, including seed oils, you may lower your risk of heart disease and cancer. But olive oil, a fruit oil, has the strongest benefits.

7. Rising consumption

Seed oil use has increased, largely due to their presence in processed and fast foods. Most of the processed foods you consume contain some kind of seed oil in their ingredients list. This is true for everything from chocolate bars to salad dressings, potato chips, mayonnaise, frozen meals and even bread.

8. Experts believe seeds oils are not the main culprit

Experts say overall processed food consumption is more concerning than seed oils alone. These foods contain high levels of sugar, sodium and refined grains. One piece of information not found in the research is how oil rancidity impacts overall health and whether these seed oils are being used once they become rancid.

9. A balanced diet matters

While seed oils can be part of a healthy diet, combining them with omega-3-rich foods like fish is recommended.

10. When did seed oils become so popular?

Food companies used to prepare their processed foods with hydrogenated oils because these fats made food have a longer, more stable shelf life. But in the 1990s, scientists found out these oils contained trans fats, oils that are really bad for the heart. In 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned their use; so, companies needed a new option and switched to seed oils because they’re cheap to process and don’t have trans fats. But the inflammation issue was not considered at the time.

With as much research and debating that has been done thus far, scientists agree on the need for further studies to explore long-term effects and refine dietary recommendations.

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