Are Seed Oils Bad for You?

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What are Seed Oils?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, seed oils are cooking oils made from the seeds of various plants. These seeds are turned into oil that can be used for cooking and baking. Registered dietitian Julia Zumpano says that seed oils are made through a chemical process where they’re bleached, refined and heated to be usable.

The Most Common types of Seed Oils?

Eight types of seed oils are most commonly used. These are- Canola oil, Sunflower oil, Rice bran oil, Peanut oil, Safflower oil, Grapeseed oil, Cottonseed oil, and Corn oil.

Are Seed Oils Healthy?

The answer is yes and no, but mostly yes. Cleveland Clinic says that because of the way they are made, seed oils are typically very processed.  They are usually used in making ultra-processed foods. They are also added to foods marketed as “healthy,” including whole-grain crackers or bread products.

The Health Risks Associated with Seed Oils

Dietitian Julia Zumpano says that seed oils themselves have high levels of omega-6 fats, which can lead to inflammation in the body. “Most seed oils go through the refining process, which includes bleaching and deodorising. This helps with the taste, colour and shelf life, but it also removes the oils’ antioxidants,” she explains. The result is oils with no real health benefits and more than a few health risks.