There’s a lot of talk swirling around about ultra-processed seed oils and whether or not they’re okay for human consumption.
The seed oils we’re referring to are dubbed “The Hateful 8” and also disguised as vegetable oils.
What makes “The Hateful 8” toxic and unhealthy is the harsh factory refining the seeds go thru to become oil. This process generates toxicity and removes the nutrients that makes seeds healthy.
Processing Steps to Make a Seed Oil.
1. The seeds are soaked in a chemical solvent such as hexane (gas) to extract the oil.
2. The oil is heated to very high temps, oxidizing the unsaturated fatty acids in the seeds, which creates harmful byproducts.
3. The seeds are then bleached to give a more neutral color.
4. Now the seeds have a very unpleasant, strong odor so they need to be deodorized for a better aroma, which btw produces trans fats, also harmful to human health.
5. The oil is then packaged in clear plastic bottles, where it continues to oxidize. Fat and plastic should never be together; think a nasty, hateful relationship! They are a very toxic combo.
6. When the oil is finally used for cooking, it’s exposed to even more heat, which causes it to oxidize even further.
The end result is an energy-dense, nutrient-poor oil containing chemical residues, trans fats, and oxidized byproducts. These oils should be avoided at all costs. To understand the process and why seed oils are not good for us, along with good fats and oils vs. the Hateful 8, check out this article by Dr. Cate Shanahan.
Most folks do not realize they’re eating these seed oils but if you start reading labels you’ll find at least one of them in the ingredient list. They are in most processed foods, frozen foods, fast foods and more. Over consumption of these oxidized oils creates lots of free radicals in our body resulting in inflammation which is at the root of all dis-ease.
Easy Steps to Begin Removal of These Toxins.
A few simple steps to begin eliminating the “Hateful 8” from your diet. Take it slow and before you know it your diet will be free of these bad oils.
Step 1: Swap out these undigestible cooking oils with our ghee. With a high smoke point of 485F, you can substitute ghee for any cooking oil. It needs no refrigeration so it’s always soft. It will NEVER oxidize if overheated and comes with a plethora of gut healing properties.
Step 2: Read labels on ALL processed foods and if any of the “Hateful 8” are listed, best to put it back on the shelf.
Step 3: As fellow snackers who need “crunch” from time to time, this one may be a bit hard to swallow. On a healthier grocer’s shelf, you’ll be lucky enough to find 2 or 3 snacks without seed oils. So prepackaged snacks should be out, which is a bummer!
But wait, there’s hope folks! Instead, try making popcorn, nuts and even some healthier treats at home. It takes very little effort and time to make them and you’ll have plenty on hand when those cravings come knocking.
Step 4: Watch out for seed oils at restaurants which does not exclude fine dining. Eat more meals at home or when dining out request your meal to be cooked in butter, ghee or tallow instead. Please stay away from fast food, it may be fast but it ain’t food!
We hope our insights about seed oils will raise your awareness so you and your family can slowly change how you eat.
Finally, we say use ghee, single-sourced extra virgin olive oil, tallow, lard and grassfed butter in place of seed oils.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for advice about a specific medical condition or before starting any new fitness or nutritional program.
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