#8 - The Truth About Seed Oils: Are They Really Harming Your Health?

Girl Talk Decoded

In this episode, Mary and Carla discuss the debate around seed oils, a hot topic in the nutrition world and a focus of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement. They start by explaining the different types of fats—saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated—and where seed oils fit in. They explore the common claims against seed oils, like links to inflammation, and compare those with new research showing possible health benefits, such as lowering heart disease risks.
They also touch on personal experiences with diet trends and the social and economic factors affecting food choices. Ultimately, they emphasize that seed oils aren't harmful in moderation, and the key to health is a balanced diet with a variety of fats, whole foods, and mindful eating.
Episode highlights:
(1:55) Categories of fats
(4:50) What are seed oils?
(7:06) Scientific studies showing benefits of omega-6s
(10:24) Genetics and individual responses to fats
(12:49) Evolution of nutrition science
(18:21) Socioeconomic factors in dietary choices
(21:20) The importance of looking at whole dietary patterns
(23:50) Misinterpretation and cherry-picking of studies
(29:39) Personal stances on cooking oils and balanced approaches
(34:37) The importance of variety in diet
(37:39) Takeaways
(38:28) Outro
—

Thank you for tuning in to the Girl Talk Decoded Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, subscribe, and leave us a review—it helps us grow. For more updates and to connect with us, follow us on Instagram @girltalkdecodedpodcast or email us at [email protected]. Got questions or topics you'd love for us to cover? Let us know! Sending you love until next time, take care!