Should we avoid seed oils?

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Are seed oils displacing the fats your brain needs?

Your brain is made up of nearly 60% fat, and the type of fat matters. For most of human history, seed oils didn’t exist in our diets. We cooked with natural fats like olive oil.

But just in the last century, highly processed seed oils (canola, soybean, corn, sunflower) have taken over our diets. Today, the average American consumes more than 700 calories a day from these oils.

The problem? Too much omega-6 from seed oils can displace the healthy fats your brain actually needs to function properly.

Why is balance important?

Omega-6s (seed oils) and omega-3s (DHA and EPA) use the same pathways in the body. Too much omega-6 means fewer brain-boosting omega-3s, as confirmed by studies conducted in 2010, 2015, and 2016.

The Rise of Seed Oils

In 1865, people consumed 0 grams of seed oil. Today, people consume about 80 grams per day, or more than a pound per week. They’re not just found in bottles of cooking oil; they’re now found in salad dressings, snacks, baked goods, and nearly every aisle of the supermarket, driving this dramatic increase.

What the Research Shows

Pregnancy studies have found that women who consume a lot of seed oils tend to have lower DHA levels. Conversely, higher DHA intake is consistently linked to healthier brain development in children.

International Standards

Countries that consume more olive oil and seafood (such as Japan and the Mediterranean) and less seed oil consistently show better brain health and higher IQs.

The Good News

One of the simplest changes you can make is to reduce your consumption of seed oils by replacing them with fresh extra virgin olive oil whenever possible. It’s natural, rich in antioxidants, and part of the Mediterranean diet, long recognized for supporting heart and brain health.

Cooking oil may seem like a small choice. But over time, it can make a big difference in your energy, focus, and long-term brain health. Why not choose the oil that has been part of healthy diets for centuries?

Important Note: aceitedelcampo.com promotes the consumption of extra virgin olive oil for its culinary qualities and health benefits. However, no medication or current treatment should be replaced without the guidance of a healthcare professional.

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