Debunking the Myths Around Seed Oils
If you’ve spent any time on social media, you’ve probably come across influencers warning you to cut seed oils from your diet. These claims often sound alarming, but decades of high-quality research tell a very different story.
What the Research Says:
They’re not inherently inflammatory:
Seed oils contain polyunsaturated fats, including essential Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids, both of which your body needs for heart, brain, and overall health.
They’re not the cause of weight gain:
While seed oil consumption has increased, so has our intake of ultra-processed foods, which are high in added sugars, refined grains, sodium, and calories. It’s this overall dietary pattern, not seed oils alone that can increase chronic disease risk.
They don’t cause cancer:
Even when oils are extracted using solvents like hexane, the trace amounts left in the final product are far below any harmful level.
They can be a healthier choice than animal fats:
Replacing some saturated fats from butter and lard with polyunsaturated fats from seed oils has been shown to improve cholesterol and support heart health.
The Bottom Line?
Seed oils aren’t the villains they’ve been made out to be. In fact, when used as part of a balanced diet, they can contribute to better cardiovascular health.
For a full breakdown of each myth plus evidence-based tips on how to choose and use cooking oils for optimal health — check out the complete article on our Substack.
Looking for more heart healthy advice? Click HERE to book an appointment with on of our dietitians!
Submitted by: Teagan Fingeret
Resources:
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. “The Evidence Behind Seed Oils’ Health Effects.” Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2025, https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/the-evidence-behind-seed-oils-health-effects.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. “Are Seed Oils Healthy?” Insight: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Blog, 29 Feb. 2025, https://blog.dana-farber.org/insight/2025/02/are-seed-oils-healthy.
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. “The Misinformation around Seed Oils.” Public Health On Call, 2025, https://podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/862-the-misinformation-around-seed-oils.
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