Harmful Effects Of Using Seed Oils Everyday!
In today’s busy world of diets, the seed oil has become ubiquitous. From salad dressing and packaged foods to restaurant fryers, the oils such as soybean, corn, sunflower, safflower, and canola oil are omnipresent. Their cost-effectiveness, neutral taste, and high smoke points have made them permanent fixtures in our kitchens and food processing world. But there is a coat of deceit under this veil of convenience: are we silently poisoning ourselves with daily seed oil consumption?
In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, our expert, Dr Shrey Srivastav, Senior Consultant and General Physiccian, Sharda Hospital – Noida, explained the possible drawbacks that deserve our consideration for peak health and well-being. Here is what he shared with us.
Omega-6 Overload and Fueling Inflammation
One of the biggest issues related to seed oils is their very high content of omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs), especially linoleic acid. Whereas omega-6 fatty acids are necessary to our bodies, i.e., we require them but are unable to manufacture them, the problem is with the radical change in our dietary balance of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. “In the past, we had a much more even balance, even more like 1:1. Now, the standard Western diet frequently has the ratio balloon to 10:1 or more, primarily as a result of the prevalence of seed oils,” Dr Srivastav highlighted.
This imbalance is important since although both omega-3s and omega-6s are essential, excessive consumption of omega-6s has been linked to chronic inflammation in the body. In excessive quantities, linoleic acid can be metabolised into arachidonic acid, which is a precursor to substances that cause inflammation. Chronic inflammation is an invisible force behind many of today’s diseases, such as:
- Heart Disease: Inflammation contributes to the cause and growth of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which raises the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes: Long-standing inflammation is associated with insulin resistance, a characteristic of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
- Some Cancers: Some studies indicate that high levels of inflammatory markers are linked to a higher risk of some types of cancer.
- Arthritis: The inflammatory mechanisms affected by omega-6 tend to worsen arthritis.
- Neurodegenerative Disorders: Recent studies indicate a correlation between chronic inflammation and impaired cognition and neurodegenerative diseases.
It is worth noting that not all omega-6s are ‘bad,’ and that the body also employs arachidonic acid to create anti-inflammatory substances. The issue is with the imbalance and with the massive amounts of omega-6s that we now ingest in seed oils, overloading the body’s natural control mechanisms.
Processing Problem: Hidden Toxins and Damaged Fats
In addition to the fatty acid content, the industrial processing of most seed oils is of concern. They are commonly subjected to a high-heat, pressure, and chemical-solvent refining, bleaching, and deodorising (RBD) process. Though processors try to strip off these solvents, minute amounts may be left behind. This intensive processing can:
Form Toxic Chemicals: Excessive heat used in refining can lead to oxidation of the polyunsaturated fats in seed oils and create potentially harmful byproducts such as aldehydes and trans fats. Such chemicals may harm cells, lead to oxidative stress, and have been implicated in increased cancer risk and insulin resistance.
Strip Nutrients: Refining also removes nutrients and antioxidants that may otherwise be found in the natural seed.
The ‘Ultra-Processed Food’ Link
It’s also important to recognise that seed oils are prominently featured in ultra-processed foods. Fast food, processed snacks, frozen dinners, and most baked treats are packed with seed oils, along with excessive sugar, refined carbs, and sodium. When individuals eliminate seed oils from their diet and say they feel better, it’s usually because there has been an overall reduction in ultra-processed food intake, not specifically the removal of seed oils themselves. This shows us why considering our diet as a whole is crucial.
What Can You Do? Practical Steps Towards Healthier Fats
While it may be difficult to eradicate seed oils from your diet entirely since they are so prevalent, you can make informed decisions to limit your consumption and opt for better choices:
- Read Labels Carefully
- Cook at Home More Frequently
- Use Healthier Cooking Fats
Bottomline
The dialogue surrounding seed oils is changing, and research is ongoing that continues to illuminate their long-term effects on health. By learning about the potential negative effects of overconsumption of seed oils and eating with awareness, you can make a big move towards a healthier, less inflammatory way of life. It’s not a matter of demonising one food, but instead supporting a more balanced and conscious way of using the fats that power our bodies each day.
