Thoughts on Seed Oils

A friend recently asked for my take on seed oils. To be honest, I’m not an expert and haven’t followed the topic too closely, but based on the research I’ve come across—like articles from the American Heart Association and insights from a nutrition professional—they don’t seem harmful. In fact, they might even support heart health when used instead of saturated fats.

At this point, my perspective is that the concerns surrounding seed oils are mostly exaggerated and fueled by misinformation rather than solid science. I tend to agree with my friend’s take: “Diet is hard to science. Probably diversity of natural substances is the best?”

Avoiding seed oils entirely would be challenging—and honestly, it feels like an unnecessary restriction that narrows my vegan and vegetarian choices. While they are commonly found in highly processed foods, I see that as a separate concern. The evidence on the health risks of highly processed foods seems solid to me, and I do make an effort to limit them. When salad chains like Sweetgreen switch to a fully “seed oil-free” menu, I get the business rationale given current trends, but it also seems like they’re catering to misconceptions rather than science.

If I’ve overlooked something significant or new research emerges, I’m open to reconsidering my stance. But for now, avoiding seed oils altogether seems unnecessary.