Ask a Health Coach – August 2025

You have questions, we have answers.

“I’ve been hearing a lot about seed oils lately.
Are they really bad for you?” 
Joan B., Connecticut

Seed oils, the most popular being canola, safflower and soybean, are all high in Omega 6 fatty acids. A high intake of Omega 6 is thought to lead to chronic diseases such as arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes, as it can be converted into chemicals in the body that cause inflammation. Omega 3, a polyunsaturated fat found in olive, avocado and walnut oil, is converted into chemicals that fight inflammation. It would seem to stand to reason that you would want to avoid Omega 6, and just use the Omega 3 oils, except that Omega 6 is also a polyunsaturated fat that helps control cholesterol and protects you from heart disease. In other words, you need it.

The problem is that most Americans eat about 10 times more Omega 6 than Omega 3, thereby disrupting the balance needed for good health and causing inflammation. Why? Omega 6 is found in almost all the processed and ultra processed foods that make up a large part of the Standard American Diet. In itself, Omega 6 is a necessary nutrient, not a poison. It’s the high quantities that are the problem. The answer is to reduce (or even better eliminate) processed and ultra processed foods, and the amount of fried foods you eat. Seed oils are good for frying at moderate to high heat, whereas olive oil oxidizes at high heat and should only be used as a dressing for salads and vegetables. And you should never re-use cooking oils

So, what’s the best seed oil to use? Try using ones marked “high oleic”. These oils have lower levels of Omega-6 and a fatty acid profile similar to olive oil. Choosing organic and expeller pressed oils eliminate any exposure to hexane, which is used in the chemical extraction process. If you want to stick to using an Omega 3 oil for cooking, avocado oil is the best choice, although it is expensive. Experiment with using low oil or oil-free cooking methods such as steaming, sauteing with stock, or using an air fryer or Hot Pot.

For more in-depth information, click on the links below.
https://www.npr.org/2025/07/07/nx-s1-5453769/nutrition-canola-rfk-seed-oils-soybean
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/seed-oils-are-they-actually-toxic

Myra Oney is a certified Holistic Health Coach and Brain Longevity Specialist. She is a coach in Sharp Again’s group programs.

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