Seed Oils

The modern seed oil industry began in the late 19th century when technological advances made it possible to extract oil from cotton seeds, a byproduct of cotton production.

Initially manufactured as machine oil and lamp oil, cottonseed oil made its way into the food supply. Other seeds followed soon after.

Seed oils do not come naturally from the plant, rather they are extracted using industrial methods such as:

Food manufacturers adopted these oils for their low cost, extended shelf life, and versatility in processed foods. The neutral flavor profile made them ideal for creating consistent, long-lasting packaged foods.

Today you will find seed oil in nearly every corner of our food supply. They are in obvious places like salad dressings, baked goods, fried foods and chips, but also in unexpected products like crackers, breakfast cereals, protein bars, granola bars, and even baby formulas.

Restaurant food, particularly fast food, relies heavily on these oils for frying and cooking due to their low cost and stability under high heat.

Even so-called health food products have not escaped. Check the ingredients of many vegan products, protein powders, or gluten-free alternatives for seed oils.

The human body requires both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in a proper balance of roughly equal amounts. The use of modern seed oils has skewed this balance to ratios of 20:1 or higher.

These omega-6 fatty acids accumulate in our body fat, cell membranes, and mitochondrial membranes, in turn causing mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibiting the body's ability to burn fuel properly.

Inflammation caused by excessive omega-6 consumption is further compounded by the use of seed oils in processed foods that contain added sugars, refined carbohydrates, and sodium.

The first step to removing seed oils in your diet is awareness. Start by reading the ingredient labels for any of these items and omit them:

At the grocery store, focus on whole foods like meat, eggs, dairy, and produce, and avoid processed foods.

Prepare most of your meals at home, where you control the ingredients and can choose healthier fats.

It may be difficult to avoid seed oils entirely. Focus on what you can control and make the best choice in any situation.

Think of it as a quest to be as healthy as you can be.