Baseless accusations: Debunking the myth of unhealthy rapeseed oil
Amid the myriad dietary trends circulating on social media, the "seed oil scare" remains one of the most enduring. But with so much conflicting information, who can truly be trusted for sound nutritional advice?
A recent diet trend gaining traction on social media is stirring fear around seed oils. The supposed danger of consuming oils like rapeseed or sunflower lies in their alleged "inflammatory" Omega-6 fatty acids, which are claimed to contribute to cardiovascular issues, weight gain, and fatigue.
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Does rapeseed oil cause inflammation?
The supposed dangers of Omega-6 fatty acids are yet another concept promoted by "health enthusiasts" on social media. These individuals often claim that a particular diet can transform your life, solve long-standing weight issues, or even improve your overall health. For a fee, influencers on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram are eager to offer miracle diet plans or so-called "fantastic" supplements.
The fact that many of those demonising rapeseed oil lack genuine expertise in nutrition becomes evident when they respond to concerned questions such as, "What should we use for frying?" with recommendations like "lard or even butter." Basic nutritional knowledge tells us that frying is one of the least healthy cooking methods, and the type of fat used is of secondary importance.
Even among the critics of seed oils, some have medical degrees, highlighting a common problem with online food trends—everyone seems to have an opinion, making it hard to know who to trust. It is crucial to rely on sources referencing specific scientific studies, not vague claims like "studies say," but with precise, credible citations.
Who can be trusted in terms of health?
In scientific research, meta-analyses are considered the most valuable sources for drawing broad conclusions. These papers compile data from numerous individual studies—often all available on a given subject—and comprehensively summarise the current scientific understanding. Those who reference meta-analyses on social media platforms to promote science can be regarded as credible.
One such meta-analysis on Omega-6 fatty acids, shared on TikTok by Dr Idz (Idrees Mughal, a British doctor), found no scientific evidence to support claims that this group of fats causes inflammation. On the contrary, some studies included in the analysis suggested that vegetable oils actually reduced levels of inflammatory markers in participants.
