Seed Oils Guide With a Twist: A Decadent Dessert That Contains Good Oils

Hail Merry - Sept. 13 2024

Hi everyone! It’s me, Susan, the founder of Hail Merry. Today I want to chat about something I’ve been passionate about for over 15 years: seed oils. Yep, those seemingly innocent oils thatyou might find in a lot of processed foods. I know, I know – it sounds like a snooze fest, but trust me, this is important stuff, and I’m here to break it down for you in the most straightforward and fun way possible.

What Are Seed Oils Anyway?

So, seed oils are exactly what they sound like – oils extracted from seeds. We’re talking about things like canola oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, and soybean oil. They’re everywhere! They’re in salad dressings, snack foods, baked goods and even protein bars and meal replacement drinks! They’re used a lot in snack foods because they’re cheap and have a longer shelf life than many other healthier oils.

Why Are They Not So Great?

First, let’s talk about what seed oils undergo to have a long shelf life. Seed oils are highly refined with high heat, solvents and bleaching agents to remove impurities that can lead to rancidity. Also, when exposed to high heat these polyunsaturated oils oxidize leading to the formation of harmful compounds. Have you ever opened a bottle of super old corn or canola oil and noticed that the twist off cap and bottle opening are sticky? YUK! That is rancid oil. And don’t even get me started on how gross rancid oils smell. This altered rancid compound is not something you should be consuming. Here’s the other thing with seed oils: they are high in omega-6 fatty acids and since these oils are literally in so many products most consumers eat, adding them to our diet can throw your body’s balance out of whack. Here’s what’s happening: an imbalance in these fatty acids can contribute to inflammation in the body – the root cause of most diseases. And we’re not talking about a little redness here or there, we are talking chronic inflammation which can be linked to a bunch of health issues, from heart disease to joint pain.

How to Avoid Seed Oils

Alright, so what can we do to steer clear of these oils? I’ve got some tips that are super easy to incorporate into your daily life:

1. Read Labels: I know, it sounds like a no-brainer, but seriously – always check the ingredient list. If you see canola oil, soybean oil, sunflower or safflower oil, you might want to think twice before putting it in your cart.

2. Cook at Home: When you cook at home, you have total control over what goes into your meals. Use healthier oils like extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil or avocado oil. They’re not only tasty but also packed with beneficial fats.

3. Choose Whole Foods: Fresh fruits, legumes, veggies, and raw nuts are fantastic alternatives. They’re naturally free from processed seed oils and much better for your overall health.

4. Look for Alternatives: If you’re buying pre-packaged foods, look for brands that use healthier oils. There are plenty of options out there that don’t rely on processed seed oils. Cue Hail Merry! The fun little twist you have all been waiting for in today's blog.

Our Cups and Bites do not contain those nasty seed oils that you see on every label. Instead,we feature energizing organic RAW virgin coconut oil and heart healthy RAW almond flour. The important aspect of the oils that we feature is that they are RAW. Meaning they have not been high heat treated and oxidized. In fact, the low temperature methods we use to make our snacks keeps these raw fats in tact leaving our products tasting and even smelling sweet and super fresh. Trust me, your body and taste buds will be on cloud 9 from all of the real goodness that Hail Merry has to offer!

5. DIY Snacks: Making your own snacks can be a game-changer. Whether it’s granola, energy bars, or popcorn, you can ensure they’re made with healthy ingredients. Plus, it’s a fun way to get creative in the kitchen!

So there you have it – a quick rundown on seed oils and why it’s worth taking a closer look at what’s in your food. It’s all about making informed choices and finding what works best for you. Remember, every little change counts, and it’s all part of taking good care of ourselves. It has been a long week and you deserve a treat. Go pick up a Hail Merry snack, your fav bottle of wine, and cozy up on the couch to a good TV show. Our Research and Development Manager Lauren recommends binge watching "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" on Hulu. Stay fabulous, stay healthy, and happy clean eating. Until next time!

Xoxo,
Susan

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