Experts: Seed oil doesn’t deserve the negative publicity

Seed oils are killing us.

That’s according to a growing chorus of influencers warning against staples of the average American diet — calling them toxic and blaming them for an inflammation epidemic.

But the opposite canola and corn, the peanut pooh-poohers, the scornful soybeans and sunflowers, and even the gloom-and-doomers grape seed — they’re not important, experts say.

And what’s more, according to experts cited by EatingWell, some seed oils in your diet may actually have the opposite effect that people claim.

These influencers “usually base their statements” on studies that the outlet sometimes refers to as “poorly designed” — that is, unless they’re just busy “parroting” what other influencers said first, they said.

Will Bulsiewicz, a gastroenterologist with a social media following, recently made waves by addressing the topic — saying the problem isn’t the oils themselves, but the fact that Americans are eating too many of them, in foods no one will argue with. are not great for you. (Think fried, think ultra-processed.)

“Can seed oils be inflammatory within a given context? Yes, if you overeat…because you’re consuming too much oil and not enough fiber, then you’re going to have inflammation,” he said.

“And that’s the result of overconsumption of calories,” he said.

The comments come after a recent narrative review was published in the British Journal of Nutrition, looking at a range of other research on the topic of seed oils and health.

“There is a lot of misinformation about oils on the Internet,” explained lead author Kristina Petersen, Ph.D., an associate professor of nutritional sciences at Penn State.

The evidence, the researchers said, looking at poly- and monounsaturated fats versus saturated fats, leans in favor of omega-6 polyunsaturated oils, or n-6 PUFAs, over trendy saturated fats like beef and lard. of coconut.

“Taken together, the available evidence does not support claims of harm, and in fact, shows that oils, particularly oils containing n-6, improve heart health.”

Linoleic acid, found in peanut and sunflower oils that contain n-6, Petersen said, has been “linked to lower risk of heart disease.”

Clinical trials also showed that taking linoleic acid “does not increase markers of inflammation or oxidative stress,” she explained.

Ultimately, the pros suggested, the key thing to do is limit saturated fat. And also, not to worry so much.

“The current intake of oils in the US is in the recommended range for heart health,” Petersen assured.

Some eyebrows may be raised over the fact that the new review was “financially supported by the United Soybean Board, the National Corn Growers Association, the Corn Refiners Association, the Canola Council of Canada and the USA Canola Association,” according to EatingWell.

But the food-conscious news source said these latest findings are supported by previous research — urging readers to eat a balanced diet and make sure their main intake of these oils comes from the healthiest sources possible.

In other words, invite him to the chips.