Healthy Fats and Yummy Seeds

Are seed oils really the newest food product enemy? Here’s what the research says and why it may be the anti-inflammatory solution you’ve been waiting for.

There is always some food product that is “out” or “in” circling around the news. Coffee is horrible for you one day, but the next we find out that it actually has the power to lower your risk of several heart diseases. 

The latest trend is working against seed oils. But is all this hate legitimate? Let’s crack this open one bite at a time.

Myth: Seed Oils Are Toxic

According to a Harvard School of Public Health study from 2022, seed oils don’t deserve all the hate: They’re not toxic to the body. 

Processing oils for cooking and consumption is a relatively new technology established in the 20th century using a chemical solvent or an oil mill. From there, they are purified and refined. Crushed or pressed seeds avoid chemically processed oils and still offer the health benefits of seeds. The oils in Perfect Bar are produced through this expeller-pressed method.

Myth: Seed Oils Are Unhealthy

In the same Harvard study, researchers found seed oils contain unsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fat which contain Omega-6 fatty acids and can boost cardiovascular health. The article points out that seed oils may have an “unhealthy” image because they’re used in deep fryers, mayonnaise, and salad dressings. While it’s important to cut back on eating foods that are high in saturated fats, the oils are not technically to blame. 

Myth: Seed Oils Invoke an Inflammatory Reaction

Inflammation occurs when the body is in contact with a toxin, virus, or bacteria and it must defend its immune system. However, because seed oils contain both unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, they are anti-inflammatory. 

A study entitled Cell Communication and Signaling notes that “Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are produced by probiotic gut bacteria from a fiber-rich diet that cannot be digested directly. SCFAs with significant anti-inflammatory functions regulate immune function and prevent an excessive immune response, thereby delaying the clinical progression of IBD.”  

Myth: Foods with seed oils are not good for you

This is partly true. Seed oils are often the product used in foods that are typically known as unhealthy like potato chips, margarine, and cookies. While research does recommend cutting back on Omega-6 fatty acids, the reason behind this is the age-old doctor’s recommendation of consuming foods in moderation. All in all, seed oils are not unhealthy to cook with and offer many benefits for you. 

Keep It Simple

Seed oils are not the enemy when cooking or consuming healthy foods. While this trend against seed oils will fade away, there are better-for-you foods made with intention that still help support a healthy diet. 

Perfect Bar snacks contain organic flax seed oil, olive oil, pumpkin oil, and more fiber-rich ingredients that can set your gut health on the right track. Shop our products today for a bar that’s made with you in mind.