Seed Oils and Hidden Dangers came into their own during The Second Industrial Revolution (1800’s to early 1900’s). There was a rise in technology and agricultural practices. A specific and efficient development included the screw press (1870’s) for seed oil extraction. Also, the process of using hexane with a ground-up paste of seeds increased the oil yield.
The farm machinery and practices were upgraded during this time and cottonseed production increased. Proctor and Gamble produced Crisco (1911) shortening from cottonseeds and oil. Seed oils and hidden dangers were then commercialized forever. After World War II, soybean seed oil took the same route as cottonseed oil and never looked back. It has continued all the way to current times. As a result, seed oils and hidden dangers transformed into big business with money as the prize.
Processing Seed Oils and Hidden Dangers with Hexane
The processing with high heat to make oil takes away nutrients originally found in the seeds. Most of the processes use Hexane, a petroleum-derived solvent to extract the oil from the seeds. Additionally, other companies may use Ethanol, Methylene chloride and even Acetone. Who would want to consume anything that has been soaked in a petroleum-based chemical? Oh, it is separated from the seed paste by evaporation. I didn’t know that, either. As a result, now I know why some things had a weird smell to them.
Where Seed Oils and Hidden Dangers “Live”
These seed oils, known as vegetable oil, lurk and hide everywhere in your grocery store. The boxed items in the grocery store may have seed oils in them to extend their shelf life. When I researched several items, I was amazed at the high percentages of companies which used seed oil to extend the shelf life. It is common industrial practices that these items do have “seed oil” in their ingredient list (or the specific name of the oil): crackers-70-80 percent; cereals-40-50percent; dry dog food-60-70 percent; and dry cat food-40-50 percent.
My own boxed cracker items had specific names. If you were looking for the term “vegetable seed oil,” you would find soybean/canola oil and palm oil listed instead, as the third main item down the list. The next item was “sugar.” The off-brand of baked cheese crackers had this: Vegetable oil (high oleic canola, high oleic sunflower and/or soybean oil). These were the second main item in the list.
In the U. S., ingredients list by weight (not percentages) in descending order. Water can also be an ingredient in the list. These are labeling requirements mandated by the Food and Drug Administration. This is useful for those with dietary restrictions or allergies. It’s also useful for us when making informed decisions about our purchases concerning vegetable seed oils and what we eat.
Seed Oils Both Good and Bad
There are good uses for seed oils such as cosmetics, biofuels, paints and those gel capsules for medications. They’re even used in printing, tires and candles and waxes. It is a versatile renewable resource. Notice that all these things have a connection to the chemical world.
However, as I was researching, I discovered more negatives than positives in the vegetable seed oils world. Certainly, it was apparent in the ingredient lists of all our foods.
Some nutritional experts label this list as their “unhealthy” list. Their main concern is with the level of omega-3 (good) as compared to the high level of omega-6 (bad), which may contribute to inflammation.
Eating too many items loaded with both empty calories and Omega-6 fatty acids may lead to inflammation. With inflammation, the body weakens and chronic diseases may result. They may include heart disease, cancer, stroke, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease and weight gain.
The extra processed items available can include salad dressings, french fries and pastries. Getting Nutrient dense beef is one answer to keep the body’s diet in balance. As well as, the antioxidants found in teas. Being informed and educated about processed items will definitely enhance your own health.
Long-term effects of seed oils have yet to be studied, so scientists have this on their “to-do” list. Everyone wants to have a fuller understanding of this issue. Informed decisions come from personal research, too.
Be Proactive For Yourself
You have one body, be proactive for yourself! Reduce the seed oils in Your Diet with these suggestions:
- Be mindful of your food ingredients when shopping (check those labels!)
- Curb your intake of fast foods (save money!)
- Antioxidants will help. Teas are a good choice. (White, Oolong, Hibiscus, Peppermint, Turmeric)
- Avoid partially hydrogenated oils (high in trans fats)
- Choose Omega-3 sources (fatty fish)
Your healthcare provider would also be a great source of information and suggestions. It’s best to find a professional dietitian if you have an existing health issue. Besides, you know their suggestions will be personalized for your needs.
Another way to help your diet is to check out any local Farmers Market. They are more plentiful during harvest times of fruits and vegetables, but I recently saw a stand that had honey!
Of course, you may choose your local grocery store, too. They have a specific design of where their products are. The outside aisles will have most of your wholesome foods, whereas the inside aisles will have boxed items that probably have “vegetable seed oil” in them.
Be aware! One of my favorite treats is chocolate, so I will also have to be cautious myself! Better health awaits you!
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