Hello and welcome to your post-Barbenheimer weekend (oh you had better things to do than sit in a theater for 5 hours? Yeah, us too 😅 ).

Here’s what you’ll find in today’s issue:

• 🤔 Are vegetable seed oils ruining your health? We investigate.

• 💤 Discover the best way to feel rested — without actually sleeping.

• 🫒 A look at the dinner trend that’s taking over TikTok.

• 🥤 Plus, why you may wanna re-think drinking that diet coke…

Let’s get into it.

THE MAIN STORY

The Internet Thinks Vegetable Seed Oils Are Making You “FAT” and “SICK” — Here’s Why.

A Quick Primer on the Claims Behind Industrial Seed Oils

The Internet loves to use words like “unsafe”, “toxic”, and “deadly” when talking about vegetable seed oils. And considering the average American consumes 3+ tablespoons of seed oils (like canola, soybean, corn, sunflower, and peanut) per day, or nearly 400 calories, these descriptions aren’t something to ignore.

But are these words hype – or the scary truth? Today, we're taking the [click] bait and exploring what the science really says.

What’s wrong with vegetable seed oils, anyways?

Some studies claim industrial seed oils cause inflammation, weight gain, increased risk of chronic diseases, cancer, and even increased risk of death.

However, others say it’s perfectly safe and can even decrease inflammation. In fact, the American Heart Association and Harvard Health, recommend these seed oils as “healthy”.

It’s safe to say there’s plenty of conflicting information out. Regardless, it’s unsurprising that many health influencers are jumping on the no-seed-oil bandwagon.

Still, these oils are hidden everywhere

Even if you don’t cook with them, you can find them in countless grocery store products. It masquerades under names like "hydrogenated oils" and they show up in chips, packaged baked goods, crackers, dressings, nut milks, canned tuna, veggie patties and more. And while it’s probably obvious your drive-thru fries were cooked in seed oil, it’s just as likely that your fancy restaurant dinner was, too.

So what’s the theory behind these claims?

One theory suggests that vegetable seed oils, high in omega-6 fatty acids, can cause inflammation when the balance with omega-3 – something most Americans don’t get nearly enough of – is disrupted. However, a study analyzing 15 different studies found no significant evidence supporting this claim.

While inflammation is linked to various Western diseases, the role of omega-6s in vegetable oils remains iffy.

Still, another theory focuses on how these oils are made. Vegetable seeds undergo a brutal process to become oil – one that involves heavy processing, solvent use (typically Hexane) and deodorization. Because of this, their polyunsaturated fats become “unstable” when they undergo oxidation.

Oxidation is what happens when these oils come into contact with oxygen, which makes these oils change their chemical structure and break down, causing them to become rancid and potentially harmful to health.

Apparently, this oxidation process is even worse when oils are heated again and again — at least in rabbits, as one study showed it caused increased weight gain compared to non-heated oils.

So, what’s the verdict?

Vegetable seed oils in an unrefined state may not be the ultimate villain, but the evidence isn't favorable for highly-refined versions.

Let’s look at it this way: if you cook your own food in canola oil at home without deep frying and without reusing the oil, plus you’re avoiding highly-processed snacks— you’re probably fine.

The problem appears to be that many Americans are not only consuming too much of these highly-processed oils, but are consuming them mainly in the form of processed packaged foods, which come with their own health problems.

Like anything, the dosage makes the poison so moderation is key. If you want to err on the safe side, it’s probably best to avoid ultra-processed snacks completely and opt for whole vegetable oils (like olive or avocado), ghee, butter, or lard for cooking.

📈 Health Optimization Tip of the Week

Listen, nothing gets us going quite like a mid-afternoon cat nap, but we know not everyone feels the same. If you’re someone who wakes up from naps feeling groggy, try this instead.

Scientists say it's not only a fantastic way to chill out but can also do wonders for your blood and hormones. Plus, some studies also show that it can make people feel less anxious and less sad — yay!

📱 Trending on TikTok #wellnessTok

With nearly 300M views, “girl dinner” is the new trend blowing up on TikTok. While it’s essentially charcuterie without a board, many people are singing its praises as a stress-feel meal. Call it a an overhyped snack plate or a tasty dining option – we won’t judge. And fellas, don’t worry, boy dinner is now apparently a thing too.

⏯️ Watch it here

Should you try it?

❌ Don’t try this at home 🍊 Maybe  ✅ Why the hell not

📆 This Week in Wellness

Every week, we scan the web for the good, the bad and the downright intriguing in the world of health and wellness.

😻 The good:

• New study reveals why 'SuperAgers' maintain sharp minds: Spanish researchers identify key lifestyle distinctions, suggesting tiny choices hold the secret to keeping your cognitive powers as you age.

👎️ The bad:

• The World Health Organization has declared sweetener aspartame a possible carcinogen. While this seems like bad news for Diet Coke lovers, the science is still out on whether the claim holds up.

🧐 The interesting:

• Ever felt the need for a vacation from your vacation? Chilling out can be tiring as hell (and that’s before you factor in the jet lag). Lucky for you sleep lovers, there's a new travel trend: sleep-focused holidays.

💭 Parting Thought

New approach for anyone tired of spending one hour on the treadmill just to burn 27 calories

Missed last week’s issue? Read it here 👇️ 

🏃 Before you go…

Something you want to see in a future issue?

Don’t keep it to yourself — reply and let us know.

Until next time ✌️

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