Are seed oils unhealthy? Yes and no (but mostly yes). Because of the way they’re made, seed oils are typically very processed. Even worse than that, though, is they’re usually used to make ultra-processed foods — think fast food burgers and fries and anything you’d eat at a state fair or get in a package in the grocery store.
“Seed oils themselves have high levels of omega-6 fats, which can lead to inflammation,” Zumpano says, “and they’re mostly used to make ultra-processed foods, which causes inflammation in the body.”
Keep in mind that they’re also sometimes added to foods marketed as “healthy,” including whole-grain crackers or bread products, protein bars or shakes, dressings, sauces, some frozen foods and even chocolate.
To better understand what all of that means for your health, Zumpano helps us break down the issues with seed oils and how they’re used.
Some of these oils would be high in vitamin E and phenols, if not for the refining process itself. Alas…
“Most seed oils go through the refining process, which includes bleaching and deodorizing,” Zumpano explains. “This helps with the taste, color and shelf life, but it also removes the oils’ antioxidants.”
The end result is oils with no real health benefits and more than a few health risks.
Seed oils aren’t necessarily good for you. But the real reason they’re considered so bad for you is how they’re most often used.
“Most seed oils are being utilized in the form of processed packaged foods, fast foods and eating out, and even foods that are considered minimally processed but are still packaged,” Zumpano reiterates. And that’s where the danger is.
Outside of your own home, you’re most likely to consume seed oils when you’re eating something that’s already pretty bad for your health — something that’s also full of fat, sugar and sodium. It’s not a bad idea to look in your cupboard, too, as these oils are so abundant that it’s smart to avoid or seriously limit them wherever you can.
