Are Seed Oils Inflammatory?

Not all seed oils are created equal. In fact, there are a few seed oils to avoid. The main culprit is Omega-6 fatty acid, which can cause inflammation when consumed too much.

When I’m busy in the kitchen cooking a delicious meal, I am very selective with my cooking oil. Personally, I’m a huge fan of Kasandrinos Olive Oil. But I also love the many health benefits of various seed oils. Have you heard how amazing black seed oil can be for your health? It is really good in aiding digestion.

But not all seed oils are created equal. In fact, there are a few seed oils to avoid. The main culprit is Omega-6 Fatty Acid. I’m sure you are familiar with Omega-3 fatty acids, the healthy proteins that contribute to shiny hair, glowing skin, and heart health. Well, our bodies need some Omega-6, but not too much.

I know you love eating natural, whole foods. But sometimes, despite being aware of where our food comes from, some extra Omega-6 sneaks in. Unfortunately, Western diets contain more Omega-6 than we’d care to admit. Your body needs a delicate balance of Omega-6 and Omega-3. Too much Omega-6, and you may experience inflammation. Chronic inflammation is the root cause of many underlying medical conditions.

But wait, there is more!

Seed oils are refined as a chemical process that extracts oil from vegetables and seeds. Vegetable and seed oils are very sensitive to heat, light, and oxygen. Too much exposure and the oil undergoes oxidation.

Is oxidation harmful? Sort of. There may be an increase in free radicals developed during the process. Oxidation may also produce a not-so-good taste or a reduction in nutritional standards. Also, certain seed oils may cause you to gain weight and can contribute to heart disease. While many have low “bad” cholesterol, the combination of trans fat and excess Omega-6 combat the goodness.

Seed Oils to Avoid

This doesn’t mean you have to avoid all seed oils. You’d be missing out on some important health benefits if you did! Instead, let’s take a look at some common seed oils to avoid. Or, at the very least, seed oils to use very sparingly.

  • Rice bran oil
  • Sesame oil
  • Corn oil
  • Peanut oil
  • Cottonseed oil
  • Soybean oil
  • Sunflower oil
  • Safflower oil
  • Canola oil

These seed oils have a high Omega-6 content. Some studies have linked the consumption of these seed oils to lowered immunity, foggy thinking, type 2 diabetes, and, as I mentioned before, heart disease. And no one wants that.

Want to play a game of “choose this, not that?” Here is a list of seed oils to enjoy:

  • Blackseed oil – It contains anti-inflammatory properties. It can help improve fertility and sustain healthy blood pressure.
  • Extra virgin olive oil – It can help slow down your natural aging process.
  • Avocado oil – Pumped with healthy fats and a very high smoke point, you can cook with added nutrients when using this oil.
  • Flaxseed oil – Great for dressings but not for cooking due to low smoke point.

Other Healthy Oils for You

There are plenty of other oil varieties you can use for cooking, baking, or even creating delicious salad dressings. I honestly cannot say enough good things about coconut oil. It is excellent when you need to use it topically as a carrier oil for essential oils, DIY natural skincare products, and cooking.

Perhaps one of the less common oils you’ve encountered is emu oil. It contains poly and monounsaturated fats, essential fatty acids 3, 7, 6, and 9, eicosanoids, carotenoids, flavones, vitamin D3, vitamin K2 (as MK-4) and vitamin E, which combined do remarkable things for both the skin and the body. It can heal wounds and burns too!

CBD oil extracted from hemp isn’t used for cooking, but it has many incredible health benefits and may help ease anxiety and reduce pain and inflammation. This company is our personal favorite because it’s organic and very well-tested.

My Take

Now, this isn’t professional medical advice, but as a former nurse and health-conscious crunchy mama, I’d limit your consumption of the not-so-great seed oils. Why put your body at risk for increased inflammation? Why increase the odds of battling heart disease, obesity, or type-2 diabetes? And above all, why put your family at any risk? I love it when I can suggest alternatives so you can make lifestyle adjustments without missing out on the benefits of cooking and creating salad dressings with oil. As an informed consumer, make sure you read labels and understand what kind of nefarious ingredients could be hiding in your seed oils.

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