Seed oils are extracted from the almost microscopic seeds of plants like corn, soybeans, sunflowers, and more. They undergo chemical processing or refinement in oil mills.
Vegetable oils have the unfortunate property of being highly unstable, containing polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). When heated or processed, these PUFAs can degrade into hazardous fats.
They Are A Common Ingredient In Fast Food
Have you ever enjoyed a fast food meal and noticed all of its menu items come with various additives? These ingredients are usually added for safety or convenience reasons.
Fast food menus often feature xanthan gum, which comes from the root of Trichoderma reesei. This ingredient acts as an emulsifier to help two liquids mix together.
Xanthan gum is often employed in order to create a creamy texture in various foods, such as baked goods, dairy items, and even protein bars.
Xanthan gum is an excellent source of fiber, potassium, and magnesium. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory effects – making it a beneficial addition to any diet.
Another popular fast food ingredient is high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). This sugar alcohol has been used for decades in various foods and beverages.
HFCS has been linked to chronic health issues like heart disease and diabetes. Fortunately, it can also be substituted with healthier alternatives like real maple syrup.
Soybean oil has long been a staple ingredient in fast food dishes. In some recipes, a combination of soybean and canola oil is often used; this combination has a higher smoke point and makes the food ideal for cooking at high temperatures.
They Are A Common Ingredient In Health Foods
Seed oil was first available on American tables during the early 1900s, produced by Proctor and Gamble who had perfected a chemical process for turning liquid fats into solids. They began marketing this new product as an environmentally friendly alternative to animal fat, quickly becoming hugely popular throughout America.
Other vegetable oils followed, such as soybean, corn, cottonseed, and rapeseed. These refined oils can be found in many foods like cookies, mayo and salad dressings.
These oils are typically high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Over time, these unhealthy fats can accumulate in your body and lead to chronic disease. To combat this risk factor, switch your diet to include more unsaturated fats like nuts and seeds.
If you find it hard to avoid these oils, opt for organic varieties which are free from toxins from manufacturing and refining processes. Some healthy seed-based oils include hemp culinary oil, flax oil, and walnut oil.
Although they cannot replace healthy fats, these oils can help you achieve a balance between omega-6 and 3 fatty acids in your diet. Unlike coconut or animal fats which may promote inflammation, these oils have been known to reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
They’re also an excellent source of dietary fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and lowers the risk of obesity and metabolic diseases. Furthermore, fruits and vegetables contain beneficial compounds which improve brain function and slow aging-related mental decline.
They Are A Common Ingredient In Cosmetics
Seed oils, an often-used cosmetic ingredient, are plant-derived emollients that create a protective seal on the skin to keep it hydrated and smooth. Not only can they reduce the appearance of dryness and other flaking or irritated conditions like acne, but they may also be employed to treat psoriasis and dermatitis as well.
They provide two essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid, and alpha-linolenic acid, that promote skin elasticity and protection against aging. Furthermore, they have the potential to improve skin health by decreasing inflammation and stimulating the immune system.
Some seed oils are derived from plants with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, such as safflower oil (Carthamus tinctorius) or coconut oil (Cocos nucifera). On the other hand, some are from plants that have not yet been investigated for their antioxidant capacity, like jojoba oil (Simmondsia Chinensis) and squalane (Helianthus annuus).
Safflower seed oil is often included in makeup products to help disperse the pigment, leaving your skin soft and supple. Alternatively, it can also be found as an ingredient in hair care items to moisturize the scalp and reduce dryness.
They Are A Common Ingredient In Soap
Seed oils are a staple component of soap and other soap products. Not only do they clean or condition your hands, but their versatility allows you to customize the type of soap you make for different needs.
They can be an excellent way to add color and fragrance, as well as extend the shelf life of your soap. You can use natural soap additives like clays, essential oils, plant extracts, and herbs for color or fragrance purposes.
Natural soap colorants include clays, alkanet, annatto, madder, indigo, and woad. You may also add dried flowers, leaves, or fruit for a subtle tint to your soap.
You can also add a small amount of either sugar or honey to your lye solution to caramelize, creating an eye-catching golden color and sweet natural scent. Use anywhere from half to one teaspoon per pound of soapmaking oils; however, be cautious and only use when the lye has reached trace temperature.
Another popular additive is sodium lactate, which hardens your soap and adds a light brown hue and smell. It also helps boost lather while acting as an alcohol alternative.
Some people enjoy adding herbal ingredients to their soap, as these can have beneficial skin therapy properties. Neem oil, pine tar, and aloe vera can all be combined in order to create a gentle bar that soothes irritated or dry skin.