Written by Kara Holmes, Health Coach, RN, Author
Kara Holmes is an RN and health coach helping people heal their gut and lose weight sustainably. She is the author of the best-selling book 'Gut Health Reset'.
Have you noticed why seed oils have become a hot topic in health discussions lately? Recent articles from Healthline, Business Insider, and CNN are highlighting how a diet rich in omega-6 fatty acids and ultra-processed foods is strongly linked to increased inflammation. This chronic inflammation raises the risk of colon cancer, obesity, premature aging, and diabetes. While seed oils have become one of the most scrutinized ingredients in the Western diet, claiming they are inflammatory and harmful has sparked significant debate over the past decade. Even now, a quick internet search on seed oils will yield reassuring results, with many experts dismissing these claims and advising that seed oils are safe to include in your diet.
So, why is this issue gaining traction now? In this article, we’ll explore the science behind seed oils, their impact on your health, and the broader implications for healthcare and the evolving political landscape in the U.S.
What are seed oils and why are they problematic?
Seed oils, such as soybean, corn, and sunflower oil, along with vegetable oils like canola oil, are rich in omega-6 fatty acids. While omega-6s are essential for bodily functions, overconsumption, particularly through ultra-processed foods, is strongly associated with chronic inflammation. A 2015 study revealed a staggering 136% increase in omega-6 levels in Americans’ fat tissue over the last 50 years. Meanwhile, omega-3 levels, which are known to combat inflammation, remain critically low.
This imbalance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids is a significant driver of chronic inflammation in our ultra-processed food culture. Research studies such as this one show that inflammation plays a key role in conditions such as colon cancer, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. By disrupting the body's ability to resolve inflammation, this imbalance creates an environment where cancer cells and other health issues can thrive.
How seed oils impact health
1. Increased cancer risk
Seed oils, with their high omega-6 content, contribute to a chronic inflammatory state.
This persistent inflammation can lead to DNA damage, weakened immune function, and an environment that fosters tumor growth. Colon cancer, in particular, has been strongly linked to diets rich in ultra-processed foods, which often rely heavily on seed oils.
2. Gut health and weight management
Inflammation caused by seed oils can disrupt the gut microbiome, impairing digestion and nutrient absorption. This disruption may result in weight gain, difficulty maintaining a healthy weight, and conditions like leaky gut syndrome, which further fuels inflammation. Additionally, when fat cells expand, especially visceral fat around vital organs, they release “distress signals” to the immune system, triggering an inflammatory response.
Excess fat tissue also increases the risk of insulin resistance. As fat cells grow, they can interfere with insulin’s ability to transport glucose into cells by accumulating fatty acids on cell membranes. This blockage essentially signals, “We’re at capacity!” preventing sugar from entering cells and causing elevated blood sugar levels over time.
3. Accelerated aging and disease risk
Chronic inflammation is a silent driver of premature aging and heightens the risk of diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and autoimmune disorders. Seed oils exacerbate this issue by impairing the body’s ability to resolve inflammation, as demonstrated in recent tumor studies.
Why is this topic gaining attention now?
The renewed focus on seed oils reflects broader shifts in societal and political priorities:
1. Political winds are shifting
Figures like RFK Jr. and others are advocating for a closer examination of systemic health issues in the U.S., including the role of diet in driving chronic disease. This political momentum is shining a spotlight on overlooked contributors like seed oils.
2. A “sick care” system
The U.S. healthcare model has long prioritized treating symptoms over addressing root causes, such as poor diet and chronic inflammation. The widespread use of seed oils, the continued reliance on statins, and the lack of emphasis on omega-3 supplementation or dietary improvement exemplify this systemic oversight.
3. A refocus on existing evidence
Over the past 15 years, mounting studies have highlighted the inflammatory effects of seed oils, linking them to chronic disease. These findings are increasingly difficult to ignore, driving a renewed effort to educate the public and influence dietary recommendations.
Where does healthcare go from here?
Will doctors prescribe fish oil over statins?
Despite decades of evidence supporting the anti-inflammatory benefits of omega-3s, particularly for individuals with cardiovascular disease, fish oil supplements remain far less commonly prescribed than statins or other medications. This disparity is partly attributed to the influence of the pharmaceutical industry and a healthcare system primarily focused on disease management rather than prevention.
A new emphasis on fighting inflammation?
As awareness of inflammation’s pivotal role in chronic disease grows, we may witness a paradigm shift in healthcare. There is increasing potential for doctors to incorporate anti-inflammatory strategies, such as recommending omega-3-rich diets and fish oil supplements, as complementary approaches alongside traditional treatments.
Steps you can take to fight inflammation
1. Prioritize omega-3s and monitor your balance
Incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, to boost omega-3 levels and combat inflammation. Consider adding a high-quality omega-3 supplement to further support your diet.
2. Avoid ultra-processed foods
Limit ultra-processed foods like chips, frozen meals, and store-bought baked goods, which are often loaded with seed oils. Cooking at home allows you to control ingredients; always check the “ingredients” section on nutrition labels to avoid hidden seed oils. In restaurants, ask about cooking oils and opt for baked, steamed, or fresh options. Keep in mind that most salad dressings are made with vegetable oil bases, so request olive oil and vinegar instead.
3. Cook with healthy fats
Choose healthier fats for cooking, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or grass-fed butter, to reduce omega-6 intake. Seed and vegetable oils are not just found in cooking but also in many condiments and salad dressings. Pay attention to these hidden sources and opt for alternatives.
4. Dedicate effort to reducing excess body fat
Excess body fat releases inflammatory signals known as adipokines, which exacerbate chronic inflammation. Developing a sustainable plan to reduce body fat can help lower these inflammatory markers. Use resources, like this article, to create a weight-loss strategy that avoids common pitfalls and sets you up for long-term success.
A call to action
The conversation around seed oils and inflammation is more than a health trend it’s a wake-up call to rethink our food choices and demand systemic change in healthcare. You can become a voice and advocate for addressing the root causes of chronic disease by examining your own diet and taking small steps to reduce your reliance on seed oils.
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Read more from Kara Holmes
Kara Holmes, Health Coach, RN, Author
Kara is a rising voice calling attention to how the health of our gut and internal systems affects our mind, the body’s appetite, our ability to manage weight, and regulate other components of our health. Her story of dealing with an 11-year battle with disordered eating and mysterious health ailments highlights the importance of gut health in having a thriving, healthy body that will give you the best chance at aging well and achieving a life of your greatest potential. Her mission is to make gut health and nutrition approachable and understandable to everyone so that they can take control of their health and deal with issues at the source.
References:
Guyenet SJ, Carlson SE. Increase in adipose tissue linoleic acid of US adults in the last half century. Adv Nutr. 2015 Nov 13;6(6):660-4. doi: 10.3945/an.115.009944. PMID: 26567191; PMCID: PMC4642429.
Liao, J., Xiong, Q., Yin, Y., Ling, Z., & Chen, S. (2022). The Effects of Fish Oil on Cardiovascular Diseases: Systematical Evaluation and Recent Advance. Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine, 8, 802306.
