By now, I’m sure you’re aware that consuming problematic foods such as gluten, dairy, and sugar can negatively impact your health. And while eliminating them can improve inflammation and provide relief from numerous ailments, another problematic food exists that is equally as (and potentially even more!) important to eliminate from your diet: seed oils.
Also known as “vegetable oils,” seed oils are the highest consumed fat in the standard American diet. They are found in processed, packaged food as well as in your go-to restaurant’s meals. To say they are merely “unhealthy” is an understatement.
Consuming seed oils can lead to health issues such as anxiety, headaches/migraines, mood problems, brain fog, exhaustion, and weight gain. What’s more, seed oils can also increase sugar cravings.
But that’s not all. Seed oils generate a substantial amount of free radicals (reactions that damage cells) in the body because they are naturally high in inflammatory polyunsaturated fats. While our bodies are capable of handling some free radicals, our bodies are not capable of handling the onslaught of free radicals seed oils produce. Too many free radicals in the body can lead to damage of the lining of the blood vessels which affects overall blood flow and circulation. It also puts you at a greater risk for diabetes, heart disease, certain types of cancer (prostate, colon, breast, and pancreatic) and a decrease in immune function.
Even organic seed oils are unhealthy. Eliminate the following oils (be sure to read those sneaky food labels) and you’ll see an improvement in your overall health:
Canola oil
Sunflower oil
Safflower oil
Soy oil
Cottonseed oil
Corn oil
Rice bran oil
Grapeseed oil
Don't worry, a number of healthy substitutions exist. The following oils can be eaten cold or used for cooking, but the key is to look for fresh, unrefined, and cold-pressed versions to ensure you’re receiving the health benefits they provide:
Coconut oil
Ghee
Olive oil
Tallow and lard
Almond oil
Avocado oil
Butter
Cocoa butter
Macadamia nut oil
At Total Body Health, we recommend eliminating seed oils in your diet as doing so can increase your ability to burn body fat, enhance your mental performance, improve your mood, prevent/lessen the severity of anxiety, reduce headaches, and reduce sugar cravings. Eliminating seed oils and other potentially problematic and inflammatory foods can help you achieve optimal wellness.