why are seed oils bad for you

Seed oils are often considered "bad" primarily because they contain high levels of omega-6 fatty acids, which some believe may promote inflammation in the body. These oils, such as soybean, canola, corn, and sunflower oil, are commonly used in processed and fast foods, which are generally unhealthy due to high fat, sugar, and sodium content. The chemical processing of seed oils also removes nutrients and sometimes adds potentially harmful substances. However, the science on this is nuanced. Omega-6 fatty acids in seed oils are essential in small amounts for health, including cholesterol management and heart disease protection. The concern is more about the imbalance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in the diet, which might contribute to inflammation. Yet, randomized controlled trials have shown increased seed oil consumption does not necessarily raise inflammation markers in humans. Another concern is that heating seed oils repeatedly at high temperatures, especially in fast food preparation, may produce harmful compounds such as trans fats. Despite these concerns, many health experts and organizations argue seed oils can be part of a healthy diet because they help lower bad cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risks. In summary, seed oils themselves are not inherently bad, but their overuse in unhealthy processed foods and the balance of fats in the diet are the main issues. The demonization of seed oils is often linked to their association with unhealthy food products rather than their direct effects alone.