Hey Mavericks,
Let's talk about something lurking in your nutrition that might silently hinder your health and weight loss goals: seed oil.
You may have noticed unexplained weight gain, sluggishness, or aches and pains. These could be signs of chronic inflammation, and your cooking oil might play a part. Studies have even linked excessive consumption of seed oils to a variety of concerning health risks, including:
Contrary to popular belief, industrial seed oils are linked to a variety of health problems, including:
Asthma (1)
Autoimmune Disease (2)
Cognitive Decline and Mental Health Issues (depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, dementia and Alzheimer's disease) (3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
Macular Degeneration (25)
Osteoarthritis (26)
The everyday oils you might use for cooking or find hiding in processed foods cause inflammation, weight gain, and increase the chances of chronic disease.
The hidden culprit is these seemingly “healthy” options, like canola or sunflower oil.
Here's why:
🛢 Processed and Unnatural: Many common cooking oils undergo heavy refining, stripping away their natural goodness and making them harmful.
🛢 Omega-6 Overload: These oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids. While essential, an imbalance with omega-3s can be linked to inflammation and chronic health issues. Think of it like a seesaw – too much weight on one side throws everything off.
🛢 Hidden Dangers: Repeatedly heating some oils creates harmful byproducts. Imagine that restaurant french fry oil – it might be "cost-effective" but not for your health.
Common Foods That Contain Seed Oils
Seed oils are incredibly common in processed foods, so it's helpful to know where they might be lurking. It's a good idea to check the food labels for seed oils and avoid buying products that contain seed oils.
Here's a breakdown of common foods containing seed oils:
Deep-Fried Foods:
Fast food french fries, onion rings, chicken nuggets, and other fried items are typically cooked in canola, soybean, or other seed oils.
Packaged Snacks:
Potato chips, corn chips, tortilla chips, crackers, and many other salty snacks are often fried or baked with seed oils for crispness and flavour.
Baked Goods:
While some bakeries may use healthier fats like butter or olive oil, commercially produced cookies, cakes, muffins, pastries, and doughnuts often contain seed oils for cost-effectiveness and shelf life.
Salad Dressings and Condiments:
Many commercially prepared salad dressings, mayonnaise, ketchup, and other condiments use seed oils as a base. Look for options labelled "olive oil" or "avocado oil" for a healthier alternative.
Processed Meats:
Pre-made sausages, hot dogs, lunch meats, and some frozen meat products may contain seed oils as fillers or binders.
Spreads and Margarines:
Most margarine is made from vegetable oils, which are primarily seed oils. Look for grass-fed butter or healthier spreads made with avocado or olive oil.
Canned Goods:
Some canned goods, like tuna in oil, sardines, and certain vegetables, may be packed in seed oils. Opt for water-packed versions whenever possible.
Breakfast Cereals:
Many commercially produced breakfast cereals are loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats, including seed oils. Opt for rolled oats or whole-grain options, or make your own with nuts and seeds.
Granola Bars and Energy Bars:
These convenient snacks can be packed with seed oils to bind ingredients and improve texture. Look for bars made with whole grains, nuts, and natural sweeteners.
Non-Dairy Milk Alternatives:
While some plant-based milk alternatives use healthy fats like nuts or coconut, others rely on seed oils for creaminess. Check the label to see what type of oil is used.
By being mindful of these common culprits, you can make informed choices and limit your intake of seed oils in your diet. Remember, fresh, whole foods are generally the best way to avoid unwanted additives and hidden fats.
Healthy Oil Options
Now that you've banished seed oils, what healthy fats should you embrace? Look to the past for inspiration!
Our ancestors thrived on natural fats like:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A staple for millennia, rich in antioxidants and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Coconut Oil: A superfood with medium-chain triglycerides, readily used for energy and boasting antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.
Butter and Ghee: For those who tolerate dairy, grass-fed butter and ghee offer conjugated linoleic acid, promoting metabolic health. Ghee is usually safe for those with dairy sensitivity.
Duck Fat: Duck fat can be a flavorful addition to your cooking in moderation. Duck fat has a relatively low smoke point (around 180°C/370°F), so it burns easily at high temperatures. This makes it less suitable for high-heat cooking methods like frying but great for baking.
Cultured Oil: This newcomer is a game-changer! Made through fermentation, it's packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, a high smoke point, and a clean taste. Plus, it's incredibly low in omega-6s!
Pastured Lard: Surprisingly, lard is mostly monounsaturated fat, just like olive oil! Choose pastured lard for the best.
All these healthy fats are what our grandparents used to cook their food with before cheap and toxic seed oils were invented.
Time to Rethink Your Oil Choices!
There are healthier alternatives out there, and the Midlife Mavericks Membership dives deep into this.
We explore:
👀 The Truth About Seed Oils: A comprehensive breakdown of the science behind why seed oils might be harming you.
😇 Healthy Fat Alternatives: Discover the best fats for cooking and long-term health, inspired by what our ancestors thrived on.
😎 Simple Swaps for a Healthier You: Easy ways to incorporate these healthy fats into your daily routine.
Ready to Feel Like Your Maverick Self Again?
Join the Midlife Mavericks Membership and take control of your health.
Let's ditch the harmful oils and unlock your full potential!