Seed oils have since become ubiquitous in processed foods, from cookies and chips to salad dressings and mayonnaise. But in the past decade or so, a growing number of experts and influencers have been sounding the alarm on their potential health risks.
The Make America Healthy Again movement, led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has been at the forefront of this push. Kennedy and his supporters argue that seed oils are linked to a host of health issues, including inflammation and chronic diseases. They have been successful in raising awareness about the dangers of seed oils, with many businesses and individuals now opting for alternatives like butter or lard.
However, the scientific consensus on seed oils remains divided. While many health experts agree that substituting plant oils for animal fats can be beneficial, there is no clear evidence that seed oils are harmful to health. In fact, some experts argue that switching to alternatives like butter or lard may actually be worse for health.
The seed oil backlash is not just about the fats used in our food; it reflects broader concerns about industrial food processes and chronic disease. As Americans become more distrustful of the food industry and government regulations, they are turning to health-conscious influencers and advocates for guidance. Businesses that offer seed oil alternatives stand to profit from this trend.
While it is commendable that people are becoming more conscious of the quality of their food, it is essential to base dietary decisions on scientific evidence. Without the right targets, efforts to improve health through dietary changes may be ineffective or even harmful. As the debate over seed oils continues, it is crucial to rely on sound scientific research to inform our dietary choices.
Seed oils may be a relatively new addition to our culinary landscape, but they have quickly become a staple in processed foods. From cottonseed oil to soybean oil, these oils were promoted as healthier alternatives to traditional fats like lard and butter. However, concerns over their health effects have led to a growing movement against seed oils.
As we navigate this debate, it is important to consider the history of seed oils and their place in our diets. While some experts argue for their benefits, others warn of potential risks. Ultimately, the choice of fats in our diets should be based on solid scientific evidence rather than trends or fads. Since then, he’s built a business selling Primal Kitchen branded products like avocado oil mayonnaise and salad dressings.
“I think that the business models of these folks are different from the business models of big food companies,” said Katz. “People who are selling supplements, who are selling health, who are selling books, who are selling consultations, they have a direct financial interest in getting people to think that seed oils are bad for you.”
Indeed, the anti-seed oil message is now so widespread that some nutrition experts have started to push back against it. In a 2019 review article published in the journal Advances in Nutrition, researchers argued that while omega-6 fatty acids have been associated with inflammation, there was no clear evidence that they caused it. The authors cautioned against blanket recommendations to reduce omega-6 fatty acids and seed oils, noting that they play a crucial role in the diet.
But despite the potential backlash, seed oils seem likely to remain a fraught topic among food and nutrition experts. “People have their little tribes and they’re not really interested in what the other tribes are doing,” said Katz. “The tribes that are anti-seed oil are very, very anti-seed oil. And the tribes that are pro-seed oil are very, very pro-seed oil.”
Until more research is conducted and a clearer consensus emerges, the debate over seed oils will likely continue to rage on, leaving consumers to navigate the conflicting advice and make their own choices about what oils to include in their diets.
Mark Sisson, the founder of the company Primal Kitchen, has made a name for himself in the health and wellness industry by promoting seed oil-free products like mayonnaise and salad dressings. In 2019, his company was acquired by Kraft Heinz for a whopping $200 million, solidifying his status as a major player in the health food market.
Sisson’s success with Primal Kitchen is just one example of the growing trend of seed oil skepticism in the health and wellness community. Influencers like Max Lugavere, Tucker Goodrich, Paul Saladino, Vani Hari, and the infamous Liver King have all used platforms like social media, YouTube, Substack, and podcasts to spread the word about the dangers of seed oils and promote alternative products and diets.
For Sisson and others in the seed oil-free movement, the focus is on educating consumers about the potential health risks associated with consuming seed oils, which are often found in processed foods and cooking oils. These influencers have built lucrative businesses around promoting seed oil-free products, from supplements to cooking oils made from alternative sources like sugarcane plants.
The Seed Oil Free Alliance, a third-party certification business, and the Seed Oil Scout app are just a few examples of the growing ecosystem of companies and products aimed at helping consumers avoid seed oils. These initiatives offer certification badges and resources to help people identify restaurants and food products that are free of seed oils.
However, not everyone in the health and wellness community is on board with the seed oil backlash. Some experts caution against demonizing specific food ingredients without solid scientific evidence to support the claims. They argue that focusing too much on individual ingredients like seed oils distracts from larger issues in the food system, such as food deserts and access to nutritious foods.
As the debate over seed oils continues to unfold, experts like Andrea Love stress the importance of maintaining a healthy skepticism when it comes to nutrition advice. With conflicting information and ever-changing dietary guidelines, it’s essential for consumers to approach health and wellness trends with an open mind and a critical eye.
Ultimately, the seed oil controversy highlights the complex and ever-evolving nature of nutrition science. As our understanding of food and health continues to evolve, it’s crucial for consumers to stay informed, ask questions, and make choices that align with their individual health goals and values. In today’s fast-paced world, we are constantly bombarded with new products, technologies, and ideas that promise to make our lives better. However, it’s important to remember that just because something is new doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better. While innovation can bring about positive change, there are also times when sticking to the tried and true is the best course of action.
One example of this is in the realm of healthcare. With new medications and treatments being developed all the time, it can be tempting to always opt for the latest and greatest option. However, sometimes older treatments have stood the test of time for a reason. They may be more effective or have fewer side effects than their newer counterparts. It’s important for patients and healthcare providers to weigh the pros and cons of both old and new treatments before making a decision.
The same principle applies to technology. While it’s exciting to have the latest smartphone or gadget, sometimes older technology can still serve its purpose just as well. For example, a classic film camera may produce more authentic and timeless photos than a trendy digital camera. It’s all about finding the right balance between embracing innovation and appreciating the value of what has come before.
In the business world, there is a constant push for companies to innovate and stay ahead of the competition. While it’s important to adapt to changing market trends, it’s also crucial to not lose sight of the core values and practices that have made a business successful in the first place. Sometimes sticking to traditional methods can be more beneficial in the long run than constantly chasing the next big thing.
Ultimately, the key is to approach new things with a critical eye and a healthy dose of skepticism. Not everything that is new is necessarily better, and sometimes the old ways are the best ways. By taking the time to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of both old and new options, we can make informed decisions that lead to the best outcomes.
