Eight Toxic Seed Oils: What You Need to Know

The Healing Collective • November 2, 2022
Article provided by Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., DACBN, MS, CFMP complements of Functional Medicine University.

The eight industrial toxic seed oils are Canola, Corn, Cottonseed, Soy, Sunflower, Safflower, Grapeseed, and Rice bran.

Industrial seed oils are the highly processed oils extracted from soybeans, corn, rapeseed (canola), cottonseed and sunflower and safflower seeds. After the seeds are gathered, they are heated to extremely high temperatures to oxidize the fatty acids. This creates byproducts that are harmful to your health.


Omega-6s are found in oils such as corn, safflower, sunflower, soy and vegetable and products made with those oils. Excess consumption of omega-6s can trigger the body to produce pro-inflammatory chemicals.

What's wrong with industrial seed oils?


There are six main problems with industrial seed oils, all of which play a significant role in chronic inflammatory diseases.


  1. The consumption of industrial seed oils represents an evolutionary mismatch.
  2. Eating industrial seed oils raises our omega-6-to-omega-3 fatty acid ratios, with significant consequences for our health.
  3. Industrial seed oils are unstable and oxidize easily.
  4. They contain harmful additives.
  5. They're derived from genetically modified crops.
  6. When industrial seed oils are repeatedly heated (as restaurants do in fryers), even more toxic byproducts are created.


How are industrial seed oils making us sick?


Industrial seed oils are far from the “healthy” label they carry. A number of chronic inflammatory diseases have been linked to chronic health problems such as:


  • Asthma
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Cognitive and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, dementia, and even Alzheimer's disease.
  • Diabetes and obesity
  • Heart disease (they are far from being heart healthy!)
  • Gut health issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBD) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBS)
  • Inflammation
  • Infertility
  • Macular degeneration
  • Osteoarthritis


The best thing you can do for your own health and the health of your family is to get rid of all vegetable oils and margarines from your home. Simply throw them out. Replace them with saturated fats for cooking and extra virgin olive and avocado oil for dressing.

Summary:


It should be clear that we want to avoid omega-6 fats in our cooking oils.

The information on this site is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Grisanti and his functional medicine community. Dr. Grisanti encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.


We offer whole-person functional and integrative care at The Healing Collective. Contact us to schedule a free consult or to become a new patient at our clinic in Niwot, CO. Learn more about our functional medicine providers here.

Beyond the Pink Ribbon: 6 Ways to Support Breast Health Naturally

By Raechel Koob • October 21, 2026
When we think about breast cancer prevention, mammograms and family history often come to mind. While both are important, there is much more to the conversation. Research suggests that lifestyle factors such as physical activity, nutrition, alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight can influence breast can

When Midlife Feels Harder Than It Should: ADHD, Women & Perimenopause

By Raechel Koob • September 24, 2026
Researchers are still learning exactly how reproductive hormones affect ADHD, and we don't yet have enough menopause-specific clinical research to draw definitive conclusions. However, emerging evidence suggests that hormonal transitions can influence ADHD symptoms in women.

Meditation: Why This Simple Practice Can Have a Powerful Impact on Your Health

By Raechel Koob • September 16, 2026
In a world constantly asking for our attention, intentionally choosing where we place that attention may be one of the simplest ways we can begin caring for our nervous system and overall well-being.

Why Strength Matters More as We Age

By Raechel Koob • September 3, 2026
When we think about healthy aging, we often think about heart health, cholesterol, blood pressure, or maintaining a healthy weight. But there is another piece of the longevity puzzle that deserves just as much attention: muscle.

Is Your Nervous System Stuck in Fight-or-Flight?

By Raechel Koob • August 28, 2026
We often think of stress as something happening in our minds, worrying about work, feeling overwhelmed, juggling too many responsibilities, or going through a difficult season of life. But stress isn't only mental. Your body responds to stress too, and when that response continues for weeks, months, or even years, it

Build a Better Breakfast: Why Your First Meal Sets the Tone for Your Entire Day

By Raechel Koob • August 6, 2026
You've probably heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. While that isn't necessarily true for everyone, what you choose to eat when you break your fast can have a significant impact on your energy, focus, cravings, mood, and blood sugar throughout the day.

Your Guide To Eating At The Farmer's Market This Summer

By Raechel Koob • July 16, 2026
Fresh from the Farmers Market: What to Eat This July

How Wildfire Smoke & Poor Air Quality Affect Your Health (And What You Can Do About It)

By Tracy Shulsinger • July 10, 2026
Wildfire smoke and poor air quality can cause fatigue, brain fog, headaches, inflammation, and more—not just breathing problems. Learn how smoke affects the body and discover practical, evidence-informed ways to support your health, including hydration, nutrition, antioxidants, and functional medicine approaches.

Electrolytes: Why They Matter More Than You Think

By Raechel Koob • June 29, 2026
Have you ever experienced fatigue, headaches, muscle cramps, brain fog, dizziness, or difficulty staying hydrated—even though you're drinking plenty of water? Electrolytes are essential minerals that play a vital role in hydration, nerve signaling, muscle function, energy production, and overall health. Unfortunately,

The Gut-Brain Connection

By Raechel Koob • June 17, 2026
Have you ever noticed that stress affects your stomach—or that digestive issues seem worse during periods of anxiety? That's because your gut and brain are constantly communicating. In fact, scientists often refer to the gut as the body's "second brain" because of the intricate relationship between the digestive system