Is Vegetable Oil Bad For You?
Short answer
Even though the name "vegetable" seems like it should be good for you, vegetable oil is one of the most highly processed and least healthy oils available on the market.
Recommended Alternative
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Vegetable oil is an umbrella term which can be used to identify canola, corn, peanut, safflower, sunflower, or soybean oils. The word vegetable in the name may make this product seem healthy, but it is actually one of the most highly processed oils available in the grocery store. About 85% of what is currently sold under the name "vegetable oil" in the United States is actually soybean oil, or a soybean oil blend. Vegetable oil emerged onto the market in the early 1900s when the invention of new chemical processes allowed for the extraction of oil from seeds. It has been a popular choice among Americans until now and has even been hydrogenated and turned into margarine and other butter substitutes. The bottom line is, while there are several dangerous implications from early studies, vegetable oils haven't been part of our diet long enough to really know the risks associated with eating them.
What is known for sure, is that vegetable oils go through several chemical and heating processes to be extracted from the seeds and plants they are made from. Compared to their cold-pressed counterparts, processed and heated oils are less natural, and tend to be associated more with heart disease.
Vegetable oils also contain an excessive amount of omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are the two fatty acids our bodies do not produce on their own. This makes it vital to consume these fatty acids as part of a healthy diet in order to maintain proper body functions. Omega-3 fatty acids are well known for their importance in maintaining healthy brain function, and while omega-6 fatty acids are key in preventing heart disease, these "essential" fatty acids should be consumed at a specific ratio to be used effectively by the body. Too much omega-6 can make omega-3 levels too low, leading to brain damage and structural changes within cell membranes all over the body.
Furthermore, omega-6 fatty acids are believed to be linked to systemic inflammation, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, arthritis, depression, cancer, and other diseases.This inflammation is caused particularly by eicosanoids that come from omega-6 fatty acids.
Possible short-term side effects
Possible long-term side effects
- cardiovascular disease
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brain damage
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cell damage
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dementia
Ingredients to be aware of
- peanuts
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soy
-
hydrogenation
Healthier alternatives
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
La Tourangelle Olive Oil Spray
- Cold-pressed extra virgin
- All-natural ingredients
- Artisanal quality
- Versatile cooking uses
- Convenient spray form
Learn More!
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Written by Leah Bolton
Published on: 01-28-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Leah Bolton
Published on: 01-28-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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