Let’s cut through the noise and focus on what really matters.

Research shows that eating an abundance of plants and walking at least 7,000 steps per day can significantly reduce all-cause mortality (the risk of death from all causes).

In the world of nutrition and wellness, it’s easy to get bogged down in the minutiae and misinformation. That’s why I focus on the big picture with my patients. Instead of obsessing over what to avoid, I like to emphasize what to INCLUDE in a healthy lifestyle. The fundamentals are simple: plants, hydration, and movement. Everything else is just fine-tuning.

Now, about seed oils. You may have heard that safflower, soybean, corn, and sunflower oils are unhealthy due to their high omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content. While it’s true that excessive consumption of these oils can lead to inflammation and oxidation, it’s essential to keep things in perspective.

Seed oils are often found in ultra-processed and fried foods, which are undoubtedly detrimental to our health. However, it’s misleading to blame seed oils alone for widespread inflammation and metabolic disease.

The real culprits are calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods like chips, cookies, and pastries. These foods are problematic not just because of their seed oil content but also due to their high sugar and refined carbohydrate levels.

So, what’s the takeaway? Focus on eating an abundance of real, whole foods. And when it comes to seed oils, remember that moderation is key. If a salad with a seed oil dressing helps you get more greens in your diet, benefits outweigh the risks. Getting your greens in should be the priority!

Of course individual tolerance varies. If you don’t feel well with a certain oil, honor that and opt for a different one. Olive oil is always the best as it is rich in heart- and brain- healthy monounsaturated fats and disease-fighting polyphenols. It is THE oil associated with longevity.

Let’s keep things simple and focus on what really matters: nourishing our bodies with whole, nutritious foods and living a balanced lifestyle.

And if you really want to avoid something to truly avoid disease risk, focus on alcohol!

Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health practitioners with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health program.