Last fall, flyers started flying around Manhattan like dandelions. “Spicy rigatoni has carbon in it with seed oil,” they exclaimed, anticipating outrage. “We get trash at our favorite restaurants,” they continued, explaining that seed oil can cause intestinal illness. But the overwhelming response from most colleagues and friends is…what? Of course, Carbone’s spicy rigatoni uses oil. It’s a restaurant. So what’s the problem with seed oil anyway?
The sign was installed by seed oil scout (SOS) refers to restaurants that cook without seed oils (edible oils made from plant seeds, such as corn oil, sunflower oil, and canola oil) and restaurants that cook without using seed oils (edible oils made from plant seeds, such as corn oil, sunflower oil, and canola oil) and those that cook without using seed oils (such as french fries or canola oil) that are fried in beef tallow. is an app that allows users to track where they get their food. Raw milk is said to be the key to a healthier life, according to some in the nutrition world.
But if you spend too much time on TikTok or let YouTube’s algorithm run for too long, you’ve probably seen at least one fitness guru and self-proclaimed nutritionist warn about the dangers of: There will be. Inflammation caused by seed oil, Benefits of a carnivore dietand why Eating more tallow is good for your heart. Talking points are so popular that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. threatened to ban seed oil Once he is appointed head of a public health agency. But like most online diet fads, while there is some truth at its core, the panic is largely exaggerated.
Where did this panic come from?
A diet high in fat can probably cause some problems, but several nutritionists started focusing on the specific problem of seed oils a few years ago. 2017 Ophthalmologist Dr. Chris Knobb Published a paper Claims that ‘harmful vegetable oils’ and other processed foods are ‘the main and direct cause of AMD’ [age-related macular degeneration]” He began focusing specifically on seed oils, arguing that: Story from 4 years ago Seed oil is said to be the cause of “degenerative diseases of civilization” such as heart disease and diabetes.
Anonymous poster for Seed Oil Scout, launched in 2022, first discovered her gut health improved after cooking at home instead of eating out at a restaurant during the early days of the coronavirus lockdown. He said he became interested in seed oil. They told Eater that they “noticed a common thread: industrially processed seed oils are either demonized or not present in traditional recipes at all.” Some seed oils, such as sesame oil, are less processed, but most are still industrial products.
SOS, like many other anti-seed oil activists, believes that seed oil contains high concentrations of omega-6 fatty acids, which at high levels cause inflammation and many health problems, especially when heated. It points out that there is a possibility. They also Increase in polyunsaturated fats in the American diet Over the past 100 years. “This is an unprecedented change in our body composition and is clearly worth revisiting,” they say.
The panic surrounding seed oils escalated further as many people had health concerns related to seed oils and projected onto them the idea that this is not the way we are “supposed” to eat. The solution, it is believed, lies in an imagined past where food was unprocessed and unregulated in any way. (It is important to note, however, that seed oils are not new; Native Americans in present-day Arizona and New Mexico Grind sunflower seeds to make oil ) Perhaps this is why these theories have taken hold in the more right-wing, reactionary areas of the internet.
Liver King, a carnivorous diet influencer with millions of followers, draws inspiration from our mythical ancestors, who he says were able to stay healthy by eating raw, unprocessed meat. I believe. He warns against eating seed oils and processed foods. suggest breakfast instead 6 raw eggs and bone marrow. (Liver King claimed that he got a strong body just by eating this diet, but recently Turns out he was taking steroids). Similarly, Video posted 3 years ago The YouTube channel “What I’ve Learned”, which has over 2 million subscribers, explains that seed oils are the sole cause of the rise in obesity and heart disease over the past century, and that before the advent of seed oils, our nation’s claims to have been healthier. Podcaster Joe Rogan was also an early platformer of the anti-seed oil cult and hosted proponents of the carnivore diet. Paul Saladino in 2020to be continued Demonize seed oil yourself.
Seed oil criticism is often supported by influencers and channels with other reactionary beliefs. What I’ve Learned also includes videos such as “Women Don’t Want Equal Relationships” and an interview with quack psychologist Jordan Peterson. Anti-seed oil content on TikTok often produced by Self-proclaimed tradie wifeThey argue that a more patriarchal Christian society is part of a return to a healthier way of life. And of course, RFK Jr. has seed oil as his enemy and wants to: Replace all frying oil with tallow As used in past decades.
Is there any truth to the health claims of anti-seed oil activists?
Nutritionists have long said that foods like canola oil are not particularly nutritious. Olive oil is low in polyunsaturated fatsis richer in antioxidants than canola oil. That’s also true Americans’ consumption of oil has increased I am against the consumption of animal fats. 2023 survey report that seed oil is the most common source of linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid, accounting for “more than 25% of the average person’s total caloric intake.” This study also reports that linoleic acid may contribute to the formation of oxidized linoleic acid metabolites, which are associated with various chronic diseases. But if you’ve been cooking with sunflower oil so far and think everything is fine, you’re probably right.
“Some omega-6 fatty acids are essential for human nutrition. We have to have them, but we just don’t have them all that much,” says Paulette Goddard, professor of nutrition, food research, and public health at New York University. Professor Emeritus Marion Nestle says: According to american heart associationpolyunsaturated fats can help reduce bad cholesterol and, in moderation, are part of a heart-healthy diet. “This is a misleading accusation that seed oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which when used in cooking break down into toxins that cause inflammation, weaken the immune system, and contribute to chronic disease,” the magazine said. are.
The real health concern is not with seed oils, but with processed foods in general. Cooking with canola oil means you can control exactly how much you eat, but many processed foods contain seed oil, high fructose corn syrup, added sugar and sodium that consumers It is included at a level that you may not notice if it is high.
It is also difficult to attribute our health problems to a single ingredient. “People are eating more oil, but they’re also eating more,” says Nestlé. a 2022 study published in Frontiers in Nutrition Regarding the relationship between the American diet and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), although NCDs are certainly on the rise and the intake of saturated fat in animals has been decreasing since 1909, it is still important to understand the causes of NCDs. “is a complex, multifactorial, controversial, and unresolved problem.” ” writes the author. “Significant changes in diet include increased urbanization and population density, decreased physical activity during commuting and work, longer commuting times, increased stress, decreased sleep, increased machinery and decreased human time. was accompanied by other lifestyle and demographic changes, including increased rates of mental fatigue, increased use of prescription and over-the-counter medications (many of which increase appetite), and increased salt intake. This is an increase in
The AHA acknowledges that Americans’ diets tend to be high in omega-6s. The American diet is Contains a lot of both types of fried foods (probably fried in seed oil) red meat. Beef contains twice as much omega-6 fatty acids as omega-3 fatty acids, and Americans consume more happened in the last centuryand 12 percent of Americans are responsible This accounts for half of the country’s beef consumption. While this may not be the sole cause of increased omega-6 consumption, it’s quite possible that red meat is the culprit. This will have a huge impact on the theory of some carnivorous influencers and perhaps their earnings. In general, the AHA recommends a Mediterranean diet for heart health.
How are restaurants like Carbone responding to the seed oil panic?
All this talk about seed oil has led to more customers wondering where their seed oil is being used, which is causing some restaurants to be more transparent about their ingredients and make their seed oil more appealing to attract customers. It is advertised as not being used. After all, health panics aside, seed oil is an industrial product, so it’s no wonder that many restaurants and small producers who prioritize holistically grown ingredients don’t want to fund Crisco.
Perhaps restaurants with lots of fried foods on their menus are especially concerned about a backlash. Coqodaq, a fried chicken restaurant in Manhattan Advertising on the menu that it uses zero acre oilMade from fermented sugar cane, it contains “35% more healthy, heat-stable monounsaturated fats than olive oil or avocado oil, compared to omega-6-rich seed oils, and reduces the formation of toxic aldehydes. ‘and minimize it. I tried Shake Shack It featured Zero Acre in its fryers and praised the company’s mission to “end the food industry’s dependence on harmful vegetable oils.”
sweet green remove seed oil Last year, it launched products from roasted meat and vegetables and announced that they would be available in January. Separate seed oil-free menu availableServed with a dressing made with olive oil and avocado oil. “From ultra-processed ingredients to artificial additives, there’s so much on our plates that doesn’t do us any good,” Sweetgreen CEO Jonathan Neman posted on X. It nourishes us, supports our community, and honors those who nurture it. ” If concerns about seed oil continue to grow, more restaurants will likely clarify whether they use seed oil.
But Mr. Carbone doesn’t just accept the SOS flyers casually. In a document provided to Eater by SOS, Major Food Group sent a cease-and-desist letter asking SOS to remove all claims that Carbone uses seed oil in its spicy rigatoni. . MFG called the claims “false and misleading” and accused SOS of trying to prevent customers from dining at Carbone, saying SOS may be in violation of its regulations. . Lanham Act Section 43(a)which covers false advertising and trade defamation.
SOS responded through a lawyer saying it received an email from a Carbone employee dated July 31, 2023, confirming that the chile oil used in the spicy rigatoni is sunflower oil based. . However, SOS wrote that it would be happy to remove the sign if Carbone confirms that the recipe has since been changed.
So, should you eat seed oil?
There are some real concerns here. American food distribution has made it cheaper and easier to eat processed, low-nutrient foods, whether it’s fast-food fried chicken or packaged frozen meals. There’s nothing wrong with avoiding seed oils, but it may not be possible unless you commit to cooking all your meals, as both the American Heart Association and SOS agree.
But there’s really no need for that. “Seed oil is not poisonous, and like almost every other nutrient, it’s best consumed in moderation, balanced with other fat sources and to control calories,” says Nestlé. Eating coco duck fried chicken four times a week is probably not good for your cholesterol, even if it uses canola, zero acres, and tallow. No, seed oils are not solely responsible for all of society’s health problems. Eat carefully. It’s okay to add a spoonful of chili oil to your pasta.
Updated Jan. 8, 9:20 a.m.: This article has been updated to include information about Sweetgreen’s new menu offerings.
