5 Ways Seed Oils Are Silently Damaging Your Health, Expert Warns

You've ditched the cigarettes and loaded up on "heart-healthy" vegetable oils. But what if those gleaming bottles of corn and canola oil are actually destroying your health faster than a smoking habit? Dr. Kate Shanahan, a family physician and metabolic health advocate, drops a bombshell while talking to the hosts of This Podcast Burns Fat, Dr. Lori Sheek and Omar Cumberbatch—revealing reasons why seed oils could be harmful. However, not all experts agree with this stark assessment. Let's explore both perspectives.

Uncover the Sneaky Presence of Seed Oils

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Seed oils lurk in countless foods — even those marketed as healthy. In podcast, Dr. Kate warns that these oils are in "a lot of foods that we consider healthy foods, like people who go on a diet, they want to eat some low calorie frozen meals. So they'll go with something like Healthy Choice or Lean Cuisine."

Consider the Context of Seed Oil Consumption

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Cleveland Clinic dietitianJulia Zumpano, RD, LD, offers a more nuanced view: "Seed oils themselves aren't necessarily toxic. The problem lies in how they're used in our diets." She explains, "Most seed oils are being utilized in the form of processed packaged foods, fast foods, and eating out. That's where most of the danger lies."

Memorize the Common Culprits

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Dr. Kate advises memorizing the most common offenders: "corn, canola, cottonseed, soy, sunflower, safflower." Then, scrutinize every label before buying packaged foods. She emphasizes, "The first thing you can do is memorize the six of 'em that are going to be in ingredients..."

Become a Food Package Detective

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Dr. Kate continues, "And then once you've done that, the next thing you should do is before you buy anything that has an ingredients list, turn that package around, get out your magnifying glass if you need to, and look and scan for ingredients."

Embrace Home Cooking

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Zumpano agrees that being aware of what's in our food is crucial, but adds, "Try to cook at home as often as possible and purchase foods that have simple ingredients. That's always my No. 1 recommendation."

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Understand the Cellular Impact

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Dr. Kate argues that seed oils wage war on every cell in your body. She explains: "They chemically assault them... Our cells are wrapped in a membrane that is a fluid membrane that is kind of like the brain of the cell. It allows the nutrients to come in and it has to allow the waste products to pass out. It's a highly, highly beautifully orchestrated complex thing. Our cell membranes, and when we eat these toxins, we damage it."

Consider the Effects of Oil Processing

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Zumpano offers a more moderate perspective on the processing of seed oils: "Most seed oils go through the refining process, which includes bleaching and deodorizing. This helps with the taste, color and shelf life, but it also removes the oils' antioxidants." While this processing can reduce some beneficial properties, she doesn't characterize it as a "cellular assault."

Grasp the Inflammation Connection

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Dr. Kate suggests that cellular damage from seed oils triggers widespread inflammation—the root of countless chronic diseases. She adds, "When you eat these toxins, you damage it. You polymerize the polyunsaturated fatty acids within that cell membrane, and that is burning your flesh."

Balance Your Omega Fats

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Zumpano acknowledges the potential for inflammation but frames it differently: "Seed oils themselves have high levels of omega-6 fats, which can lead to inflammation." She explains that the issue is more about balance: "The omega-6 to omega-3 ratio should be ideally 2:1 or 1:1, but for most Americans, the ratio is actually a whopping 10:1 or even 20:1."

Explore the Link to Chronic Diseases

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Dr. Kate points out a correlation between the rise of seed oil consumption and chronic disease rates: "When I first started learning about these oils about 20 years ago, one of the first things I realized was that we were eating a whole ton of these oils. And I hadn't learned about that in medical school. And I also looked back to the statistics... more people were struggling with weight, diabetes, heart attacks were increasingly common and deadly."

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Recognize the Role of Processed Foods

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While Zumpano doesn't directly address this correlation, she suggests that the broader issue is the prevalence of processed foods in our diets: "When you cut seed oils from your diet, what you're really doing is cutting out many processed foods. I think that's why we're hearing about them as being so bad for your health. But it's less about the seed oils themselves and more about the fact that they're so often found in ultra-processed foods."

Choose Your Cooking Oils Wisely

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To reduce your intake of potentially harmful seed oils, both experts recommend cooking at home more often and choosing whole, unprocessed foods. When you do use oils, opt for less processed options like extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil in moderation.

Optimize Your Fatty Acid Intake

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Focus on achieving a better balance of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. Increase your intake of omega-3 rich foods like fatty fish, flaxseeds, and chia seeds, while reducing your consumption of processed foods high in omega-6 fats.

Stay Informed About Nutrition

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Stay informed about the latest nutrition research and recommendations. Remember that scientific understanding evolves, and what was once considered healthy may be viewed differently in light of new evidence.

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Make Informed Dietary Decisions

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In conclusion, while Dr. Kate Shanahan presents a strong case against seed oils, Julia Zumpano offers a more moderate view that focuses on overall dietary patterns and the importance of balance. Both experts agree that being mindful of our food choices and reducing processed food intake can lead to better health outcomes. By taking these insights into account, you can make more informed decisions about your diet and potentially improve your long-term health. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss I’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

They're in your kitchen right now. Foods you eat every day, perhaps even foods you think are healthy. But these everyday staples might be undermining your health without you realizing it. Dr. Anthony Balduzzi, founder of The Fit Father Project and The Fit Mother Project, has helped over 30,000 families transform their health through proper nutrition. After losing his father at a young age, he dedicated his life to studying health and nutrition, earning degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and a doctorate in naturopathic medicine. "These foods are like landmines when you're out in the world," Dr. Balduzzi warns. Here are the top 10 foods he says you need to watch out for – and what to eat instead.

Store-Bought Chips: Your Daily Diet Destroyer

"Chips are literally the living definition of empty calories," Dr. Balduzzi highlights in his post. Just three ounces of chips weekly adds over 24,000 calories to your diet annually – equivalent to about seven pounds of fat. The combination of low-quality potatoes, inflammatory oils, and excessive salt makes them particularly harmful. Instead, try brands made with almond or cassava flour and avocado oil, or make your own apple or zucchini chips at home.

Non-Organic Bread: The Pesticide Problem

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"If you're eating non-organic bread, your bread is sprayed with glyphosate, which is also known as Roundup," Dr. Balduzzi reveals. This pesticide can damage your gut microbiome and potentially cause various health issues. The solution? Switch to organic sprouted bread like Ezekiel Bread or organic sourdough, which offer better nutrition and are often easier to digest.

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Commercial Baked Goods: The Thyroid Disruptor

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Those tempting pastries and donuts aren't just sugar bombs. "These bromides actually get into your thyroid gland," Dr. Balduzzi explains, "and block the absorption of iodine, leading to a sluggish metabolism." Many commercial baked goods contain these thyroid-disrupting compounds. Instead, opt for healthier breakfast options like avocado toast on organic bread or egg-based recipes.

Cream-Based Pasta Dishes: The Hidden Calorie Trap

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"Even a cup of chicken Alfredo has about 500 calories," warns Dr. Balduzzi, "and let's be honest, this stuff's so good, you want to eat six cups." His solution? Choose organic wheat or legume-based pasta with low-sugar marinara sauce instead. The lycopene in tomato-based sauces offers additional health benefits for vision and overall health.

Fried Fish and Chicken: The Heart Risk Factor

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The evidence is clear: eating fried fish just once weekly increases heart failure risk by 48%. "Fried foods are toxic for your cardiovascular system," Dr. Balduzzi states. The high-temperature frying creates inflammatory compounds that damage your arteries. Instead, opt for baked, grilled, or air-fried preparations.

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Processed Meats: The Cancer Connection

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"If there is one resounding thing that nutritionists agree on, it's that processed meats are bad for you," Dr. Balduzzi emphasizes. Hot dogs, sausages, and deli meats contain nitrites and nitrates that can increase cancer risk, particularly colon cancer. Choose whole cuts of meat instead, like chicken breast or grass-fed beef.

French Fries: The Aging Accelerator

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"When we take carbohydrates like potatoes and cook them on high heat with vegetable oils, it creates compounds called acrylamides," Dr. Balduzzi explains. These compounds accelerate aging and increase cancer risk. His alternative? Bake sweet potato wedges with olive oil and seasonings for a healthier version of this popular side dish.

Excessive Dairy: The Addiction You Didn't Know About

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"Dairy has a compound called beta casomorphine, which is a natural opioid," Dr. Balduzzi reveals. This explains why we often feel good after consuming dairy – and why it can be addictive. He recommends limiting dairy to occasional use and choosing fermented options like kefir or Greek yogurt when you do indulge.

Processed Plant-Based Foods: The False Health Hero

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Not all plant-based foods deliver on their healthy promise. "What's not awesome is a lot of these fake foods that are trying to be vegan," Dr. Balduzzi cautions. Many contain pesticide-sprayed soy protein and artificial additives. Instead, choose whole food plant-based options like black bean burgers or vegetarian chili.

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Sugary "Health" Drinks: The Wellness Impostor

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"These things are glorified sugar shots," Dr. Balduzzi warns about supposedly healthy fruit drinks, noting that many contain 30-40 grams of sugar per serving. Despite their promises of vitamins and antioxidants, these drinks can seriously impact your health. Stick to whole fruits for natural sweetness and nutrients, or make fresh vegetable-based juices at home. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

We all want to eat healthier, but sometimes, the foods we think are good for us can actually be harmful. Dr. Eric Berg, DC, a 59-year-old nutrition expert, discusses the truth about getting healthy and losing weight in his popular video. As the director of Dr. Berg's Nutritionals and a best-selling Amazon author, Dr. Berg specializes in Healthy Ketosis and Intermittent Fasting. With his wealth of knowledge, he's identified seven common foods that you should avoid to optimize your health and well-being.

1. Orange Juice: Not as Healthy as You Think

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"Orange juice might shock you," says Dr. Berg in his video. "They pasteurize it, destroying much of its nutritional value. It's essentially sugar water that spikes your blood sugar." Dr. Berg explains that the heating process kills enzymes and nutrients, leaving you with little benefit.

Body Network’s Resident RDN, Tara Collingwood, agrees. “Whole fruit is much better than juice because you get the fiber to keep you full longer,” she says.

2. Soy Protein Isolates: A Hidden Danger

Many vegetarian products and protein shakes contain soy protein isolates. However, Dr. Berg warns in his video, "This is really not a natural food for humans. It's not fermented, doesn't do well in our bodies, and actually irritates the liver."

While soy protein is often praised for its health benefits, there are some concerns about its potential negative effects. According to Harvard Health, some soy products contain estrogen-like chemicals that could have adverse effects. Specifically, soy isoflavones, which are compounds found in soy, have estrogen-like properties that can bind to estrogen receptors in the body. This has led to concerns about potential disruptions to natural hormone levels.

3. High Fructose Corn Syrup: The Sneaky Sugar

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Found in sodas, drinks, and even salad dressings, high fructose corn syrup is a filler you should avoid. Dr. Berg identifies this as a "given" in the list of foods to never eat.

"High fructose corn syrup has crept into more of our foods over the last few decades. Compared with regular sugar, it’s cheaper and sweeter, and is more quickly absorbed into your body. But eating too much high fructose corn syrup can lead to insulin resistance, obesity, Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure," warns Cleveland Clinic.

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4. Commercial Meats with Nitrates: A Cancer Risk

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"When you buy bacon or sausage or meats, make sure it's nitrate-free," advises Dr. Berg in his video. He points out that studies have linked nitrates to cancer. Opt for grass-fed, paleo, and hormone-free options instead.

"Nitrates and nitrites prevent bacterial growth and give deli meat its distinctive color and flavor. But there’s a downside. Nitrates convert to nitrites, and when nitrites interact with protein, that creates compounds called nitrosamines—which may cause cancer,” says Consumer Reports.

5. Commercial Milk: Hormones in Your Glass

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Dr. Berg in his video recommends choosing organic or at least hormone-free milk. He explains, "There's a little hormone called RBST, which has some negative effects on the body."

According to the Harvard Gazette, there are concerns about the presence of hormones in commercial milk. Specifically, cow’s milk contains significant amounts of female sex hormones, such as estrogen, which have been linked to hormone-dependent cancers like those of the testes, prostate, and breast.

6. TV Dinners: A Nutritional Nightmare

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"TV dinners and pot pies are very low-quality food," says Dr. Berg in his video. He warns that combining protein, starch, and dessert in one meal can cause a massive insulin spike.

According to the BBC, TV dinners often contain high levels of sodium, sugar, and additives, which can contribute to health issues such as obesity, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. Additionally, ultra-processed foods, which include many TV dinners, have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, diabetes, and strokes.

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7. Imported Fruit: Potential Pesticide Problems

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Dr. Berg in his video cautions against fruit from certain countries. "There's a chance they might use DDT, which is banned in America but still sold to other countries," he explains. This exposure can be particularly harmful to children.

"Of the 100 individual fruit or vegetable samples in our analysis with the highest pesticide risk levels, 65 were imported. Most of those – 52 – came from Mexico, and the majority involved strawberries (usually frozen) or green beans (nearly all contaminated with acephate, the pesticide that's prohibited for use on green beans headed to the US)," The Guardian, reported based on a comprehensive pesticide analysis conducted by Consumer Reports.

By avoiding these seven foods, you can take a significant step towards improving your overall health and nutrition. Remember, being informed about what you eat is the first step to a healthier you. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.