UVA Health on Seed Oils, SIMPLIFIED

Simplified - UVA HEALTH’S BLOG POST “Are Seed Oils Toxic?”

THE DEFINITION OF TOXIC

Toxic means “can cause death or injury.” Depending on the dose, almost anything can be toxic. For example, your body needs water to survive, but drinking too much water too quickly can kill you.

WHAT ARE SEED OILS

Seed oils are cooking oils named after the seed they were extracted from.

OMEGA 6-FATTY ACIDS

Seed oils contain omega-6 fatty acids, which can lower LDL cholesterol, regulate blood sugar, and minimize symptoms you experience because of other health conditions. Omega-6 fatty acids can’t be naturally produced by your body.

BACK TO SEED OILS

Inflammation is how your body fights off germs and heals injuries. Seed oils cause inflammation. However, too much inflammation can cause heart conditions, among other health issues.

WHAT A DOCTOR SAYS

Katherine Basbaum, a surgically trained clinical dietician at the University of Virginia, says that contaminants can form during the process that removes unwanted tastes, colors, and odors from seed oils. However, seed oils are a major component of most infant formulas because they provide essential fatty acids and extra calories that babies need for growth and development.

SEED OILS AND THE LEGAL SYSTEM

When some infant formulas were found to have elevated levels of contaminants from seed oils nearly 10 years ago, the UN and WHO enforced rules about using seed oils in food production. However, a study conducted in 2021 found that infant formula (and other convenience products for children) increases the risk of exposure to bisphenol and other toxic contaminants. The study also expressed an urgent need for studies that assess whether exposure to contaminants in food for kids impacts their long-term health status.

CONCLUSION

The most important thing to remove from your diet is overly processed or ultra-processed food.

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