Written by Sandra Mikhail, Founder and Director of Nutrition A-Z
Seed oils have become a hot topic in wellness culture, often portrayed as dietary villains accused of causing inflammation and contributing to chronic diseases. But is there any truth to these claims, or are seed oils being unfairly demonised? Let’s break it down...
Seed oils, like canola, sunflower, safflower, and soybean oil, are extracted from seeds and are high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). These include omega-6 fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid. Omega-6 fats are essential for our health—they support brain function, skin health, and cellular growth. However, they’ve become controversial due to their supposed link to inflammation.
The Wellness Myth: Seed Oils = Inflammation
The idea that seed oils cause inflammation largely stems from how omega-6 fats can convert into arachidonic acid, a compound that can lead to the production of pro-inflammatory molecules. This process is often simplified and taken out of context in the wellness world.
Here’s the thing:
The Science Speaks: Seed Oils Are Not Inflammatory
Numerous studies have examined the relationship between omega-6 fatty acids, inflammation, and health outcomes. Here’s what we know:
For example, a 2019 systematic review found no evidence linking omega-6 intake with chronic inflammation, directly debunking wellness myths.
Where Did the Misinformation Come From?
So why does the belief persist that seed oils are inflammatory?
The Bigger Picture: Context Is Key
Nutrition isn’t about isolating one ingredient and labelling it as “good” or “bad.” The inflammatory response in your body depends on your overall diet and lifestyle, not just the type of oil you use. Key factors include:
Seed oils are perfectly fine when consumed as part of a balanced diet. They are not the root cause of chronic disease, and the fear-mongering around them distracts from addressing real dietary issues.
The Bottom Line
Seed oils are not inflammatory—this is a myth that wellness culture needs to leave behind. The evidence consistently shows they can be part of a heart-healthy, anti-inflammatory diet. Instead of vilifying individual foods, focus on the broader picture: nourishing your body with a variety of nutrient-dense foods, maintaining an active lifestyle, and managing stress.
Don’t let pseudoscience cloud your plate—let evidence guide your choices.
If this has left you confused and no longer knowing who and what to believe, book a free discovery call or an appointment with us today and let's free yourself from misinformation.
The Wellness Myth: Seed Oils = Inflammation
The idea that seed oils cause inflammation largely stems from how omega-6 fats can convert into arachidonic acid, a compound that can lead to the production of pro-inflammatory molecules. This process is often simplified and taken out of context in the wellness world.
Here’s the thing:
- Omega-6 fats don’t inherently cause inflammation—they’re part of a balanced immune response.
- The body also converts omega-6 fats into anti-inflammatory compounds, which play a role in healing and repair.
- Chronic inflammation is influenced by multiple factors, including overall diet quality, lifestyle, stress, and environmental exposures—not a single nutrient or food.
The Science Speaks: Seed Oils Are Not Inflammatory
Numerous studies have examined the relationship between omega-6 fatty acids, inflammation, and health outcomes. Here’s what we know:
- Replacing saturated fats with seed oils improves heart health by lowering LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels.
- High omega-6 intake does not increase inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP).
- Diets rich in linoleic acid (the primary omega-6 in seed oils) have been shown to be neutral or beneficial for inflammation.
For example, a 2019 systematic review found no evidence linking omega-6 intake with chronic inflammation, directly debunking wellness myths.
Where Did the Misinformation Come From?
So why does the belief persist that seed oils are inflammatory?
- Misinterpreted Biochemistry: The link between omega-6 fats and inflammation is often oversimplified, ignoring the anti-inflammatory roles these fats also play.
- Distrust of “Industrial” Foods: Wellness culture often vilifies processed products, and seed oils are perceived as overly processed or unnatural.
- Out-of-Context Ratios: The omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is sometimes blamed for inflammation. While balance is essential, the modern diet’s omega-6 content doesn’t inherently drive inflammation unless omega-3 intake is severely lacking.
The Bigger Picture: Context Is Key
Nutrition isn’t about isolating one ingredient and labelling it as “good” or “bad.” The inflammatory response in your body depends on your overall diet and lifestyle, not just the type of oil you use. Key factors include:
- Incorporating omega-3s from foods like fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds.
- Minimising trans fats and ultra-processed foods.
- Eating a variety of whole, nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Seed oils are perfectly fine when consumed as part of a balanced diet. They are not the root cause of chronic disease, and the fear-mongering around them distracts from addressing real dietary issues.
The Bottom Line
Seed oils are not inflammatory—this is a myth that wellness culture needs to leave behind. The evidence consistently shows they can be part of a heart-healthy, anti-inflammatory diet. Instead of vilifying individual foods, focus on the broader picture: nourishing your body with a variety of nutrient-dense foods, maintaining an active lifestyle, and managing stress.
Don’t let pseudoscience cloud your plate—let evidence guide your choices.
If this has left you confused and no longer knowing who and what to believe, book a free discovery call or an appointment with us today and let's free yourself from misinformation.
