In the era of social media, you’ve probably stumbled upon numerous claims about the dangers of seed oils, often defamed for their omega-6 fatty acid content. But are these claims rooted in scientific evidence, or are they merely myths? Arnold Schwarzenegger dived into some latest findings regarding seed oils and shared insights in his newsletter.

In the newsletter, Arnie showcased how “a new study found that the seed oils did not increase inflammation or oxidative stress when calories were controlled.” In fact, when calorie intake was controlled, researchers found no significant increase in inflammation associated with seed oil consumption. This challenges the prevailing narrative that these oils spell doom for our health.

Arnie discusses further and explains that vegetable oils, also known as seed oils, have found themselves at the center of the obesity crisis debate. While it’s true that many processed foods containing these oils are high in calories, it’s essential to distinguish whether it’s the oils themselves or the excess calories that are driving health issues.

Contrary to popular belief, previous research comparing canola oil to other oils, such as olive oil, has shown promising results.“The research found that canola oil significantly reduced total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, LDL/HDL ratio, TC/HDL ratio, apolipoprotein B (Apo-B) & Apo-B/Apo-A1 ratio compared to all other oils (those are all good outcomes).” Surprisingly, it even outperformed olive oil in certain aspects, challenging the conventional wisdom surrounding “healthy” fats.

In a recent intervention study, participants were assigned either saturated fats (think butter) or polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) from seed oils for ten weeks. Remarkably, those consuming seed oils exhibited reduced liver fat and insulin levels without any signs of inflammation compared to the saturated fat group.

Banking on this, Arnie wants people to take other advice regarding seed oils with a pinch of salt.

Arnold Schwarzenegger advocates rethinking the role of seed oil in your diet

According to Arnie, critics may argue that ten weeks is too short to draw definitive conclusions about the long-term effects of seed oils. However, the positive metabolic outcomes observed in this study suggest that the benefits of seed oils may outweigh those of saturated fats, at least in the short term.

While it’s important not to demonize fats altogether, balance is key. Most nutritional guidelines advocate for prioritizing monounsaturated fats from sources like olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds. Polyunsaturated and saturated fats can complement this foundation, but moderation is key.

The demonization of seed oils may be premature as emerging evidence suggests that when consumed in controlled amounts, these oils may not only be harmless but also offer potential health benefits. So, before you banish them from your pantry, consider incorporating them into your diet in moderation alongside other healthy fats. Remember, when it comes to nutrition, balance is paramount.