Wait. Seed Oils Aren’t Bad For You?

Misinformation regarding the food we consume is not a new concept. In fact, it happens more often than not. Recently misinformation revolving around the toxicity of seed oils has plagued the internet—namely, TIkTok.

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Many users have made bold claims, stating that seed oils high in omega 6-fatty acids are bad for the body. When that isn’t the case at all. Users will begin their videos on the topic with biased claims that, “Seed oils were used as machinery lubrication, therefore, should not be something we consume.” When in actuality, seed oils contain omega-6 which is a polyunsaturated fatty acid, necessary for human health. Yes. It’s true that the body does not naturally produce omega-6 acids. However, that should not discredit their crucial role in human brain function and normal growth and development.

To pushback, here is some commonly used rhetoric to dispel the positive effects of seed oils.

1. Seed oils cause inflammation. So they must be bad.

No. Seed oils do not cause inflammation. In fact, seed oils can actually help reduce the effect of inflammation. In a scientific journal written by Jacqueline Innes and Philip Calder, they wrote,

“Studies in healthy human adults have found that increased intake of ARA or LA does not increase the concentrations of many inflammatory markers. Epidemiological studies have even suggested that ARA and LA may be linked to reduced inflammation. Contrastingly, there is also evidence that a high omega-6 fatty acid diet inhibits the anti-inflammatory and inflammation-resolving effect of the omega-3 fatty acids. Thus, the interaction of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and their lipid mediators in the context of inflammation is complex and still not properly understood.”

Innes and Calder, reference previous conducted studies to bring forth the notion that, no. Seed oils do not promote inflammation.

1. Seed oils are rich in linoleic acid, so they’re bad for the heart.

There is this misconception that seed oils, which are rich in linoleic acid, cause an increased risk in heart complications. Meanwhile, research states otherwise. In a study conducted in 2017 they ran a test to see if linoleic acids were the cause for blood inflammatory markers. The study concluded that there were no findings for an increase in blood inflammatory markers. Making this claim, untrue.

These are the main false statements being made against seed oils. Like everything dietary. Everything is better in proportions. While it isn’t true that these oils cause a myriad of health issues. Too much of it can. So be sure to watch your intake of omega-6 fatty acids. Other than that, enjoy your almond milk without worrying about its high contents of seed oils.