Health and wellness influencers and experts have increasingly been vocal about the potential negative impacts of seed oils on health, citing concerns such as high levels of omega-6 fatty acids, inflammation, and links to chronic diseases.
Many argue that seed oils, often highly processed, contribute to an unhealthy diet and advocate for alternatives like olive oil, coconut oil, or avocado oil, which they consider more natural and less inflammatory. Influencer Brian “Liver King” Johnson says seed oils are all “dangerous” and “destructive” for human health, and even Joe Rogan recently called cooking with grapeseed oil a “crime against nature.” on his podcast.
What Are the Concerns?
According to multiple influencers and experts, the issue with seed oils is that they contain high levels of omega-6 fatty acids. The argument goes that one of the most common omega-6s – linoleic acid – is converted into arachidonic acid in one’s body. This, they suggest, leads to the formation of other compounds that increase levels of inflammation throughout the body.
Additionally, the processing methods used to extract seed oils often involve high heat and chemical solvents, which can lead to the formation of harmful compounds and the loss of beneficial nutrients. Influencers also highlight that these oils are often found in highly processed foods, which are linked to issues like obesity.
What Exactly Are Seed Oils?
Seed oils, also known as vegetable oils, are oils extracted from the seeds of plants. Common examples include soybean oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, and corn oil. These oils are popular in cooking and food processing due to their relatively low cost, neutral flavor, and high smoke points.
Seed oils are often refined, bleached and deodorized to improve stability and shelf life. The extraction and refining processes for seed oils can involve high heat and chemical solvents, which may degrade the oil’s quality and lead to the formation of harmful compounds, including trans fats.
Experts acknowledge that seed oils can be a source of essential fatty acids, such as omega-3, which are important for overall health. They provide energy and support cell function, hormone production, and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Additionally, some seed oils like flaxseed oil are rich in alpha-linolenic acid, which has cardiovascular benefits.
Seed Oils Are Everywhere
Seed oils are prevalent across the food manufacturing industry today, found in everything from cookies, crackers, granola bars, to staples like mayonnaise and canned tuna. They are prized for their versatility, helping to enhance flavors, extend shelf life, and maintain cooking stability in a wide range of products.
Food companies use seed oils for several reasons: they’re neutral in taste, unlike oils such as coconut oil, which can be more challenging to work with in certain recipes. Additionally, seed oils like sunflower, flaxseed, and hemp oils are often promoted for their perceived health benefits, being rich in essential fatty acids. Another significant factor is cost-effectiveness; seed oils are generally more affordable compared to oils like avocado and olive oil, which can be up to three times the price.
Seed oils are safe to consume when done in moderation. According to Melissa Prest, a registered dietitian with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, if consumers use seed oils at home, such as in baking, there’s no associated health risk.
Potential Solutions to Combat Seed Oil Resistance
To address growing consumer concerns about seed oils, marketers have several strategies at their disposal. Firstly, understanding your target consumer’s preferences is crucial; while health-conscious consumers may prioritize avoiding seed oils due to health reasons, broader consumer bases may not be as concerned.
- Go Organic: Offering alternatives such as organic expeller pressed or cold pressed seed oils can appeal to those seeking healthier options. These methods of extraction retain more nutrients and antioxidants compared to the solvent extraction processes used for many conventional seed oils.
- Transition To Coconut, Olive or Avocado Oils: Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can boost metabolism and provide a quick energy source. Avocado oil is high in monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid, which is beneficial for heart health. Moreover, transitioning to oils like coconut and olive oil instead of avocado oil can be advantageous from a sustainability perspective, due to lessened water requirements.
- Consider Ghee, Butter or Collagen: Ghee, a type of clarified butter, is rich in healthy fats, including butyrate, which supports gut health. Butter contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which may aid in weight management and support heart health. Collagen, although not a traditional fat, is a protein that can promote a healthy gut lining.
By offering these alternatives and emphasizing their benefits, brands can effectively differentiate themselves and meet the evolving preferences of conscious consumers concerned about both health and sustainability.
Author bio: Joseph Chen is the CEO of research management and insight consultancy Leo & Dragon, and previously worked for the likes of Mondelez International, McDonald’s, Hershey, Unilever, and Kraft.
The Food Institute Podcast
Tom Hamill, a food and beverage senior analyst for RSM US LLP, joined The Food Institute Podcast to recap the 2024 Summer Fancy Food Show. Hamill shares his thoughts on burgeoning trends from the show and how emerging specialty food brands can best navigate economic factors in the years to come.
