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Doctor: I'm Begging Guys to Ditch Seed Oils—And Opt for Whole Food Fats Instead

Doctor: I'm Begging Guys to Ditch Seed Oils—And Opt for Whole Food Fats Instead

Yahoo02-05-2025
For better or for worse, the discussion around seed oils has been more rampant than ever.
From RFK Jr. publicly bashing them to nutritionists saying they're not so bad, opinions remain sharply divided. Some say they're harmful; others claim the fear is overblown.
Mark Hyman, M.D., appeared on the Huberman Lab podcast last month where Huberman asked the physician a loaded question: "What's your view on seed oils?"
Hyman let out an audible "oye" before diving in a sigh that hinted at the complexity of the topic.
The real issue isn't just calories or cholesterol. It's how these oils are made, and how far they are from whole food sources, he says
"We should be eating whole food fats as much as possible," Hyman said at one point. "Avocados, coconut, nuts and seeds, omega-3 fats from fish, extra virgin olive oil."
"For me, I wouldn't pick canola oil because I could pick olive oil," Huberman agreed.
That whole food approach contrasts sharply with how seed oils are processed.
The concern with seed oils—like soybean, canola, and corn—isn't just their high omega-6 content. It's also how they're grown, extracted, and refined.
'They spray lots of chemicals on them. Those chemicals get in the oil. They're manufactured in an industrial way," Hyman explained. "So would I want to eat an industrial food product? Probably not."
To stay aligned with this whole food fats approach, reach for extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil instead of canola the next time you're grocery shopping.
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I thought I had great cholesterol, but a trendy new blood test said the opposite — sending me down a mind-boggling rabbit hole
I thought I had great cholesterol, but a trendy new blood test said the opposite — sending me down a mind-boggling rabbit hole

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  • Business Insider

I thought I had great cholesterol, but a trendy new blood test said the opposite — sending me down a mind-boggling rabbit hole

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Forget running or 'Jeffing' — neuroscientist says this is the secret to longevity and hitting 150 minutes of cardio per week
Forget running or 'Jeffing' — neuroscientist says this is the secret to longevity and hitting 150 minutes of cardio per week

Tom's Guide

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What being a vegetarian did to my biological age and nutrient makeup

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In the US, 6 in 10 adults have at least one chronic disease, while 4 in 10 have two or more, according to the CDC. Deficiencies detected Function's biological age test screens your blood for 102 biomarkers, and of them, 11 of mine were out of range. 'With low vitamin D, low iron and low anti-inflammatory omega 3's, I could immediately tell that you're a vegan or vegetarian,' Hyman said. While these nutrients exist in plant-based foods, they're typically found in higher quantities in animal products like fatty fish and liver. My low vitamin D levels could also be due to a lack of sunlight — since, like many Americans, I spend most of my time indoors. Vitamin D isn't just for bones. It also supports immune function, mood and muscle strength — and a deficiency can lead to fatigue, depression and chronic illness. I also had low ferritin, the protein that stores iron. 7 Function Health offers regular lab testing for people to track their health over time. Function Health Low ferritin can zap your energy, weaken your immune system, and even trigger hair loss. Left untreated, it can contribute to heart issues and cognitive decline. Then came the omega-3s. My blood showed low levels of EPA, DHA and DPA — all key fatty acids critical for brain, heart, and cellular health. This kind of imbalance has been linked to everything from depression and anxiety to cardiovascular disease and dementia. Not-so-sweet news Beyond vitamin gaps, my insulin levels also raised a red flag. While still in the 'acceptable' range, they were above optimal — which Hyman explained is a sign my body is working harder than it should to keep my blood sugar stable. 'This is also common in people who are vegan or vegetarian because they tend to have a higher carbohydrate intake,' he said. Reduced insulin sensitivity — a k a insulin resistance — can make it harder to manage weight or build muscle. Left unchecked, it can lead to prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes. 7 To find your biological age, Function Health conducts two blood tests and collects a urine sample. angellodeco – The red flag hiding in my blood But one number made Hyman hit the brakes: my 'extremely high' homocysteine levels. The normal range is up to 10.4 micromoles per liter. Mine was 27.8. 'That's just way, way out of range,' Hyman told me. 'That's usually a consequence of a genetic variation called MTHFR.' The MTHFR gene helps the body process key B vitamins and break down homocysteine. If it's not functioning properly, homocysteine builds up — and that can cause problems. 7 Some nutrients are more readily available in animal products. Prostock-studio – Elevated levels have been linked to heart disease, stroke, cognitive decline, osteoporosis and even pregnancy complications. 'You've really got to take this seriously,' Hyman warned. 'But it's super simple to fix.' 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'It's really great that we found this because you could have had it for years and not find out until you're 50 or 60 when something goes wrong,' he said. Despite the 11 flagged biomarkers, I told Hyman I felt great. His reply? A reality check. 'You don't notice there's an elephant standing on your foot until it gets off,' Hyman said. 'All of this stuff is going to make a significant impact on your health — maybe in the short term, but definitely in the long term.' Function recommends members get their blood tested at least once a year to track shifts in their biomarkers. With the suggested changes, Hyman said my biological age will drop even further in the coming months. In the meantime, you'll find me in the supplement aisle.

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