Why to avoid vegetable and seed oils, and healthy alternatives:

According to leading scientists, cooking with vegetable oils releases high concentrations of toxic chemicals called aldehydes, a result of degradation of the fatty acids in oils, which have been linked to diseases, including arthritis, heart disease dementia and cancer.

Researchers from the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU, Spain) have been the first to discover the presence of certain aldehydes in food, which are believed to be related to some neurodegenerative diseases and some types of cancer. (Source: Sciencedaily.com)

Unpleasant to hear, but necessary to know when making better cooking oil and healthier life choices.

Vegetable and seed oils have become ubiquitous - they are found in everything from processed foods to restaurant meals. However, these oils pose a serious threat to our health, and it's crucial that we avoid them as much as possible.

The main issue with vegetable and seed oils is that they are high in omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-6s are pro-inflammatory, meaning they promote inflammation in the body. In contrast, the healthier omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory. An imbalance of too many omega-6s compared to omega-3s is linked to a host of chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer's.

Sadly, the modern Western diet is extremely high in omega-6s from vegetable and seed oils, while being deficient in omega-3s. This inflammatory imbalance is a major driver of many of the most common and deadly diseases today.

So what are healthier oil alternatives we should be using instead?

Sunflower Oil - High in the healthy monounsaturated fats and low in inflammatory omega-6s. It has a mild, nutty flavor and high smoke point, making it great for cooking.

Butter - Rich in saturated fats, vitamins, and beneficial fatty acids like conjugated linoleic acid. Butter from grass-fed cows is especially nutritious.

Ghee - Also known as clarified butter, ghee is butter that has been simmered to remove the milk solids. It has a rich, nutty flavor and very high smoke point.

Sesame Oil - This oil is full of antioxidants and has been used in traditional Asian medicine for centuries. It has a distinct, savory flavor.

Coconut Oil - Coconut oil is high in healthy medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that provide quick energy and may boost metabolism. It has a mild coconut flavor.

Olive Oil - A staple of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil is high in monounsaturates and polyphenol antioxidants. Be sure to use extra virgin for maximum benefits.

Avocado Oil - With its high smoke point and creamy flavor, avocado oil is great for cooking. It's packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

Red Palm Oil - This traditional oil is high in carotenoids, vitamin E, and the saturated fat palmitic acid. It has a distinctive reddish-orange color.

By avoiding inflammatory vegetable and seed oils and instead choosing nourishing fats like those listed above, you can dramatically improve your overall health. Make the switch today for a healthier, happier YOU.