RFK Jr.'s Righteous Crusade Against Seed Oils
A broken clock is right twice a day. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has recently intensified his critique of seed oils, the consumption of which has been linked to the rise in chronic diseases across the United States. In a notable move, Kennedy commended the fast-food chain Steak 'n Shake for replacing seed oils with beef tallow in their cooking processes, highlighting positive customer feedback regarding the change.
Kennedy's stance aligns with a broader movement among certain health influencers who caution against seed oils, claiming they contribute to inflammation and various health issues. He, along with millions of other health influencers, has advocated for a return to traditional cooking fats, such as beef tallow, suggesting that these alternatives may be healthier.
Seed oils, including canola, soybean, and sunflower oils, are prevalent in processed foods and have been a topic of debate regarding their health effects. Critics argue that the high levels of omega-6 fatty acids in seed oils can disrupt the balance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in the body, potentially leading to increased inflammation—a concern for individuals with autoimmune conditions.
Unlike seed oils, beef tallow is experiencing a resurgence in culinary use. This animal fat is rich in fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K, which are essential for various bodily functions, including immune support and bone health. Additionally, beef tallow contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a polyunsaturated fat known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
That last part makes it especially attractive for those of us with chronic illnesses, especially autoimmune diseases which are infamous for causing inflammation throughout the body.
Even better, the high smoke point of beef tallow reduces the risk of it forming harmful compounds. Coupled with its nutrient profile, beef tallow can be a very favorable option for those seeking alternatives to the highly processed vegetable oils we are fed on a daily basis.
However, some nutrition experts dispute claims that seed oils are detrimental to your health. Many of them point to research supporting the health benefits of seed oils.
Specifically, some studies have shown that seed oils can lower LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. And some recent research indicates that higher consumption of plant-based oils is associated with a lower risk of mortality, whereas higher butter intake correlates with increased mortality risk.
Surprise, nutritional science is complicated. As of right now, most mainstream nutritional scientists continue to support the inclusion of seed oils as part of a balanced diet.
However, most of us can agree that the massive amounts of seed oils consumed by Americans go further than what could be considered healthy.
RFK JR has been a life long critic of seed oils and their disastrous effects. He has stated that if he were to attain political power -- which he now has as the head of HHS -- he would push for a sweeping overhaul of food regulations. This includes measures to limit or ban the use of seed oils in processed foods.
Many would welcome the ban of seed oils as they have been correlated with many health problems. However, it is far more likely that he will enforce transparent labeling, allowing consumers to easily see if the food they are about to buy may contain seed oils.
This would undoubtedly cut down on sales of these products, encouraging more companies to switch to less processed alternatives.
By advocating for these changes, John F. Kennedy’s nephew aims to reshape how food products are made and marketed, with the goal of reducing chronic disease rates that he links to poor dietary choices, including the consumption of seed oils.
Will he succeed? Only time will tell.
