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Are Seed Oils Actually Bad for You?

There's a lot of buzz about seed oils online, but are they actually bad for you like many people claim? A dietitian weighs in.

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CLEVELAND - Seed oils have been a hot topic online, with many people saying to avoid them altogether.

But before you clear out your kitchen cabinets, there’s more to consider.

“The bigger picture is looking at where these seed oils are found, like in ultra-processed foods, for example. Rather than targeting the oil, we want to take a look at the foods seed oils are typically in as a whole,” said Teresa Eury, RD, a registered dietitian for Cleveland Clinic.

Eury explained that ultra-processed foods like chips and other prepackaged snacks often contain seed oils.

Fried foods are usually prepared with this type of oil as well.

These processed foods typically have many added ingredients, which is why Eury said it’s not the seed oils that are necessarily making these foods unhealthy.

When it comes to cooking at home, it’s OK to use seed oils for sautéing veggies or creating another healthy meal.

No matter what cooking oil you choose to use, Eury noted moderation is key.

“It’s all about balance. You don't need to go on an oil cleanse and start tossing everything out in your pantry. Use cooking oil in moderation and try to incorporate healthy choices throughout your diet,” Eury said.

In general, Eury recommends cutting back on anything that’s ultra-processed to focus on eating more whole foods.

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