The Seed Oil Scandal: Exposing the Hidden Dangers in Your Diet | Cate Shanahan, MD

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We are certainly all aware of the health consequences associated with consumption of ultra processed foods. And this discussion always moves to the role of the sugars and refined carbohydrates in these foods in terms of threatening our metabolic health - and rightfully so.
But there’s another threat associated with these and other foods that is equally important. And that’s the type of oils they contain. In this episode of The Empowering Neurologist, I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Cate Shanahan, a groundbreaking physician and the author of the eye-opening book Dark Calories. Dr. Shanahan dives deep into a topic that is often overlooked in conversations about nutrition: the dangers of seed oils and their pervasive presence in our diets.

In Dark Calories, Dr. Shanahan reveals how seed oils—despite being marketed as healthy alternatives—can have detrimental effects on our brain and overall health. We explore the science behind these oils, explaining how they can lead to inflammation, oxidative stress, and toxicity, and how these mechanisms threaten our health. By bringing awareness to the hidden dangers of these ubiquitous ingredients, Dr. Shanahan encourages us to reconsider what we think we know about healthy eating.

What makes this episode truly valuable is not just the scientific insights Dr. Shanahan shares but also the wealth of actionable material she provides. Throughout our conversation, we discuss practical steps listeners can take to reduce seed oil consumption and make healthier food choices. From understanding food labels to selecting healthier cooking fats, Dr. Shanahan equips us with the tools we need to nourish our bodies and brains effectively.
She emphasizes the importance of whole, nutrient-dense foods, urging us to prioritize traditional fats over industrial seed oils that can contribute to chronic inflammation and cognitive decline. Whether you’re a health enthusiast or simply looking to improve your diet, this episode is packed with invaluable tips, like what to order when you go out to eat, that you can implement immediately.

This is an enlightening conversation filled with science, actionable advice, and inspiration to help you thrive!

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00:00 Introduction to Cate + the Dangers of Seed Oils
03:18 The 'Hateful Eight' Oils Explained
06:20 Origins of Vegetable Oils in the Food Supply
10:47 Toxicity of Refined Oils
15:03 Health Risks of Heated Oils
18:01 Medical Industry Conflicts
32:12 Strategies for Avoiding Harmful Oils
37:03 Comparison of Saturated vs. Unsaturated Fats
40:35 Impact of Toxic Oils on Chronic Diseases
53:00 Summary and Closing Out
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Cate Shanahan, MD, has shaped the best parts of today’s food and health landscapes. Her books and other publications have taught a generation of health influencers what an ideal human diet looks like and the damaging effects of a collection of 8 common seed oils (“The Hateful 8”), informing the full spectrum of nutrition leaders, including keto, carnivore, functional medicine and more. Her science backed diet advice has inspired food entrepreneurs to make billions, including bone broth, live-culture ferments, and seed-oil-free business empires like the Primal Kitchen and Bulletproof brands. As a family physician, she has personally worked 1:1 with thousands of patients to improve energy metabolism and reduce fatigue, cellular inflammation, and organ dysfunction. These principles have helped professional athletes including legends like Kobe Bryant, Aaron Judge, Kyle Lowry, and Dwight Howard. Through her works and influence, she has helped millions escape the vicious cycle of sickness and drug dependence.

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LinkedIn: @DrCateShanahan
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