Seed Oil Coalition Forms To Combat "Misinformation" On Social Media

Over the last decade, the popularity of seed oils in the United States has seen a notable increase, driven by several key factors, including health trends, dietary shifts, and innovations in food processing technology. Seed oils, which include varieties such as canola, sunflower, safflower, and soybean oil, have become staples in American kitchens and food industries due to their versatility, supposed health benefits, and high profit margin. They’re in pretty much everything today, from salad dressing to chips to frozen food dinners. 

Many people have come forward to educate about the negative health effects of seed oils, highlighting that these oils undergo heavy processing and cause gut inflammation, among other health issues. However, industry “experts” and registered dieticians are stepping up to clarify what they consider to be misconceptions and highlight the so-called benefits of canola oil.

Brittany Wood, director of canola utilization at the Canola Council of Canada, noted during a webinar that “misinformation” about seed oils is prevalent on social media. A search of the #seedoils hashtag on TikTok reveals countless influencers advising followers to avoid canola oil, citing its processed nature and alleging health risks.

However, professionals like Lynn Weaver, market development manager at the Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission and a registered dietician, argue that the terms "bleached" and "deodorized" used in the processing of many vegetable oils, including canola, are often misunderstood. These terms refer to purification processes that enhance the oil's color and stability, not to harmful chemical treatments. Weaver claimed there is no evidence linking canola oil with inflammation. In fact, experts say that canola oil is known for its low saturated fat content and high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are supposedly anti-inflammatory.

Despite the criticism, the demand for canola oil has remained stable. Still, to counteract the spread of so-called “misinformation,” the canola industry, along with corn and soybean commodity groups, formed the Seed Oil Coalition. This alliance works to disseminate what they consider to be accurate information about seed oils and their benefits. They've launched initiatives like the canolainfo.org website and a presence at major nutrition conferences to provide dieticians and other health professionals with scientifically backed data.

The industry is also proactive in marketing, with campaigns like "Hello Canola" targeting English-speaking millennials through digital content. Influencers like Abbey Sharp have been enlisted to promote the health benefits of canola oil and debunk myths perpetuated by anti-seed oil campaigners.

What Are the Negative Effects of Seed Oils? 

Health organizations such as the American Heart Association, along with many “experts,” have long promoted vegetable oils as a healthier alternative to butter, based on research suggesting that saturated fats could lead to heart disease. However, scrutiny has increased over the validity of these claims and the influences behind them. Corporations like Procter & Gamble, which had significant financial interests in the production of vegetable oils and margarine, influenced early dietary guidelines by supporting figures like Ancel Keys to advocate the health benefits of polyunsaturated fats.

Seed oils like canola, soybean, sunflower, and safflower oils are particularly high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid. Although only comprising about 2% of animal fats like tallow, linoleic acid constitutes 30-70% of these vegetable oils. Studies have shown that linoleic acid is prone to oxidation, which is 40 times more likely compared to the saturated fats found in butter and meat. This oxidation process produces free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cell membranes and DNA, and contribute to chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer. The oxidation of linoleic acid not only leads to systemic inflammation but also to conditions like cardiovascular disease and arthritis.

Excessive consumption of linoleic acid is linked to chronic inflammation, abnormal fat development, and obesity. 

Furthermore, linoleic acid is associated with chronic inflammation, a root cause of numerous severe health conditions. Excessive consumption of linoleic acid is also linked to abnormal fat development and obesity. This is concerning as seed oils are prevalent in processed foods, making them hard to avoid, especially when eating out.

The difficulty in reducing seed oil intake is compounded by their presence in many restaurant and fast-food items. These oils are not only ubiquitous but also enhance food palatability, making it easier to overeat and contributing to conditions like high blood pressure and chronic bloating. As evidence mounts against the excessive consumption of seed oils, the narrative around their health implications continues to evolve, challenging long-held dietary guidelines and emphasizing the need for a more balanced intake of these particular fats.

The Seed Oil Coalition Already Sounds Corrupt 

At this point, anything that is labeled health misinformation on social media is probably something you should listen to. The Washington Post already wrote a hit piece attacking any influencers or digital publications who share the negative health effects of the birth control pill, claiming that they were spreading misinformation, when in reality, they were simply sharing science-backed research about the effects of hormonal birth control. The Seed Oil Coalition is attempting to do the very same thing, only this time they’re targeting influencers and health professionals who speak out against seed oils. 

Of course, they have recruited the likes of Abbey Sharp, a registered dietitian who is known for promoting unhealthy foods like refined sugar and diet soda, just like many of the dietitians who were caught red-handed being paid off by Big Food. She often uses her huge platform to encourage people to eat whatever they want, including conventional cereal and ice cream, because there’s no such thing as bad food in her eyes. These are exactly the kinds of corrupt “experts” that can easily be bought off by health organizations and coalitions. 

Rather than actually responding to the concerns about seed oils (and there are many), the Seed Oil Coalition is gaslighting people and just telling them that they’re getting their information from hacks. If these people were truly hacks, it would be easy to debunk what they share about seed oils, right? Well, this coalition isn’t even able to do that. There’s one thing for sure: This coalition is incentivized to keep seed oils in everyone’s good graces because canola oil companies and soybean commodity groups need to continue making a huge profit off these cheap oils. 

The more you can reduce seed oils, the better. However, seed oils are pervasive in our diets, found in everything from protein bars to oat milk, salad dressings, and bread. The first step to reducing their intake is learning to read nutrition labels meticulously. Avoid products listing any seed oils like canola, grapeseed, soybean, sunflower, or safflower oil. This might restrict your grocery choices significantly, but it's a healthy move toward better eating habits. Opt for healthier fats like coconut oil, butter, ghee, beef tallow, or high-quality extra-virgin olive oil instead.

Closing Thoughts

Implementing a seed oil detox can drastically improve your health, but it poses challenges, especially when dining out. Most restaurants and takeaway services use seed oils extensively. While you can request meals cooked in olive oil or butter, there's no guarantee restaurants will accommodate you, especially when ordering via an app. The best strategy is to cook at home, meal prep, and explore new recipes to maintain a diverse and healthy diet.

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