Seed Oils
TLDR - Seed oils are highly processed and cause inflammation. This causes a danger response in the body.
How Seed Oils Are Made
The production of seed oils is very unnatural. The process involves several steps that transform seeds into the oil we use:
Extraction: Seeds are crushed and heated to high temperatures to extract the oil. This heat can cause oxidation, damaging the oil's structure.
Chemical Solvents: Hexane, a chemical solvent, is often used to increase yield. Residual solvents can remain in the oil, posing potential health risks.
Refining: The extracted oil undergoes refining to remove impurities, involving additional heat and chemicals. This process strips away beneficial nutrients.
Deodorizing and Bleaching: To make the oil more palatable and visually appealing, it is deodorized and bleached, further degrading its nutritional value.
This video speaks for itself:
Common Seed Oils:
Canola Oil: Made from the seeds of the canola plant.
Sunflower Oil: Extracted from sunflower seeds.
Soybean Oil: Derived from soybean seeds.
Corn Oil: Made from the germ of corn kernels.
Safflower Oil: Extracted from safflower seeds.
Cottonseed Oil: Made from the seeds of cotton plants.
Grapeseed Oil: Extracted from the seeds of grapes.
Sesame Oil: Derived from sesame seeds.
Rice Bran Oil: Made from the outer layer of the rice kernel.
There are many more less common seed oils such as hemp, flaxseed, pumpkin seed, etc.
Danger Response
When the body detects harmful substances or experiences imbalance, it initiates a danger response. Seed oils can trigger this response due to their inflammatory nature and the presence of harmful compounds created during processing.
Inflammatory Response: Seed oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which, in excess, can promote inflammation. While our bodies need a balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, the modern diet is often disproportionately high in omega-6, leading to the overproduction of inflammatory molecules like prostaglandins and leukotrienes.
Oxidative Stress: The processing of seed oils creates oxidative byproducts, which can damage cells and tissues. This oxidative stress triggers the body's defense mechanisms, contributing to inflammation and cellular damage.
Immune System Activation: The presence of residual chemical solvents and other processing byproducts can activate the immune system, leading to a heightened state of alert and chronic inflammation.
Alternatives to Seed Oils
Coconut Oil: Contains medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) that can provide quick energy and support metabolic health.
Avocado Oil: High in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, avocado oil is great for cooking at high temperatures.
Olive Oil: Rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, olive oil is a heart healthy option.
Tallow: Rendered beef fat that is stable at high temperatures and provides healthy saturated fats and fat soluble vitamins.
Butter and Ghee: Traditional fats that are stable at high temperatures and contain beneficial nutrients when sourced from grass fed animals.