The Dangers of Vegetable Oils: Why You Should Avoid Them

When it comes to a healthy diet, the types of fats you eat are crucial. I always advise my clients to avoid vegetable and seed oils like soy, sunflower, and canola. Despite being common in cooking, these oils contain high levels of polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), which can pose serious health risks. Not only are they damaging to your health, but if consumed often or in large amounts they will negatively affect your fat loss results.

Vegetable and seed oils are packed with PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids), when PUFAs oxidize (when exposed to high heat, light and air), they produce harmful compounds, leading to inflammation. Inflammation is extremely damaging and linked to many health issues like heart disease, cancer, and hormonal problems such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Regular consumption of vegetable oils can lead to weight gain because they directly increase the size of our fat cells - so there is more room to store body fat! They also disrupt normal metabolic processes, making it harder for your body to regulate weight. Eating oxidized PUFAs is also linked to heart disease, cancer, and hormone imbalances. Even occasional large amounts of vegetable oils can cause significant harm due to the oxidative stress they create.

Your body is mainly made up of saturated and monounsaturated fats, which are crucial for various functions. These fats help build and maintain healthy cells, providing structure and support for proper function. They are essential for hormone production, which is vital for many bodily processes, from metabolism to reproductive health.

Consume these fats:

Saturated Fats: Found in foods like butter, coconut oil, and animal fats (eggs, fatty meat), these are stable at high temperatures and less likely to oxidize, making them safer for cooking. This type provides a concentrated source of energy, helping to keep your blood sugar and insulin levels steady - so it maintains energy levels, helps you feel full, and helps your brain to function

Monounsaturated Fats: Found in foods like olive oil and avocado oil. These fats are more stable than PUFAs and offer numerous health benefits, including stabilising blood sugar levels.

Conclusion

Understanding the impact of different fats on your health is key to making better food choices. Always check food labels and opt for whole foods. Avoiding vegetable and seed oils will mean you will not only reduce inflammation, lower your risk of chronic diseases, and allow your body to thrive, but you will have a much better chance of reducing body fat and achieving your goals.