#380 ‒ The seed oil debate: are they uniquely harmful relative to other dietary fats? | Layne Norton, Ph.D.

The podcast explores the controversy surrounding seed oils and their potential harm, dissecting arguments against their consumption. It addresses the mortality literature from large RCTs, particularly those substituting saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats, and examines the role of trans fats as confounders in older studies. The discussion further investigates the mechanistic biology of LDL oxidation and atherosclerosis, questioning whether seed oils uniquely contribute to these processes. Industrial refining methods and the evolutionary perspective on seed oil consumption are also considered. Despite concerns, the podcast argues that seed oils are not uniquely deleterious, emphasizing the importance of overall dietary balance and lifestyle factors in cardiometabolic health.