Are seed oils unhealthy? Why are so many influencers speaking out against them? | Gideon Meyerowitz-Katz
News Source
β’Tue, 27 Oct 2026 14:00:37 GMT
π° What Happened
Seed oils like canola and sunflower oil have become a target for online influencers. Some claim they cause inflammation and long-term disease. US health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has called them toxic.
Writing for the Guardian, doctor and researcher Gideon Meyerowitz-Katz says the science does not back this up. Australian dietary guidelines say seed oils are fine. Experts say the main issue is that they are high in calories, not that they are harmful.
π The Backstory
Seed oils are made by pressing and refining plants such as canola, sunflower and soybean. They are used in margarine, takeaway food and home cooking, and are high in omega-6 fats. Some online claims say omega-6 causes inflammation.
Professor Lauren Ball from the University of Queensland says there is no convincing evidence that normal amounts harm health. Professor Jason Wu from UNSW says the evidence points to benefits for heart health. Randomised trials have not shown that omega-6 fats raise inflammation.
π― Why It Matters
Food advice spreads fast online. Cutting out cheap cooking oil can cost families money for no health gain, so claims are worth checking with experts.
Seed oils like canola and sunflower oil have become a target for online influencers. Some claim they cause inflammation and long-term disease. US health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has called them toxic.
Writing for the Guardian, doctor and researcher Gideon Meyerowitz-Katz says the science does not back this up. Australian dietary guidelines say seed oils are fine. Experts say the main issue is that they are high in calories, not that they are harmful.
Seed oils are made by pressing and refining plants such as canola, sunflower and soybean. They are used in margarine, takeaway food and home cooking, and are high in omega-6 fats. Some online claims say omega-6 causes inflammation.
Professor Lauren Ball from the University of Queensland says there is no convincing evidence that normal amounts harm health. Professor Jason Wu from UNSW says the evidence points to benefits for heart health. Randomised trials have not shown that omega-6 fats raise inflammation.
Food advice spreads fast online. Cutting out cheap cooking oil can cost families money for no health gain, so claims are worth checking with experts.