The Truth About Fats and Oils: What Every Wellness Practitioner Needs to Know
The Truth About Seeds & Oils
In the ever-evolving world of health and wellness, few topics spark as much debate as dietary fats and oils. Are seed oils truly harmful? Is fish oil the ultimate cure-all? How do essential fatty acids impact cellular health? These are questions practitioners frequently encounter, and our recent GetHealthy webinar with Body Bio’s clinical educator, Justine Stenger, provided some eye-opening insights.
If you’re a wellness practitioner striving to optimize patient outcomes, understanding the biochemistry of fats and oils is crucial. Let’s dive into the essential takeaways from this informative session.
Essential Fatty Acids: The Cornerstone of Cellular Health
Fats play a critical role in human health. They are the building blocks of cell membranes, influence enzyme activity, and serve as messengers for cellular communication. But not all fats are created equal. The body relies on two essential fatty acids (EFAs)—linoleic acid (Omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (Omega-3)—which must be obtained from diet or supplementation.
Omega-6s: Friend or Foe?
There has been growing concern over Omega-6 fatty acids due to their association with industrial seed oils. However, Stenger emphasized a crucial distinction: while processed seed oils are indeed harmful, functional forms of Omega-6—such as those found in raw seeds, organ meats, and properly sourced oils—are essential for cellular health. Linoleic acid, one of the most abundant fatty acids in cell membranes, supports myelin formation, immune function, and mitochondrial efficiency.
The Dark Side of Fish Oil
Fish oil has long been praised for its anti-inflammatory properties, but Stenger warned against high-dose, long-term supplementation. Excessive Omega-3s can suppress immune function, displace critical Omega-6s in the cell membrane, and even lead to mitochondrial dysfunction. Instead, she recommended whole-food sources of DHA and EPA, such as fatty fish, or high-quality phospholipid-based supplements like Body Bio’s Fish Oil Plus, which ensures optimal bioavailability and minimal oxidation risk.
Balancing Fats for Optimal Health
A key takeaway from the webinar was the importance of achieving a 4:1 ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids. This balance supports:
✔️ Blood-brain barrier integrity
✔️ Neurotransmitter production
✔️ Membrane fluidity
✔️ Cognitive function and recall
✔️ Mitochondrial efficiency
Many practitioners unknowingly disrupt this balance by overprescribing fish oil while neglecting critical Omega-6 sources. Using tools like the Red Blood Cell Fatty Acid Test, available through Body Bio, can help assess individual fatty acid status and tailor recommendations accordingly.
Avoiding the Dangers of Industrial Seed Oils
While essential Omega-6s are vital, industrially processed seed oils—such as canola, soybean, and sunflower oil—should be strictly avoided. These oils are:
Highly oxidized before even reaching store shelves
Processed with harmful solvents like hexane
Linked to mitochondrial damage and chronic inflammation
To support cellular health, encourage patients to swap industrial oils for raw seed oils, egg yolks, and grass-fed meats while emphasizing a whole-food approach.
Key Takeaways for Your Practice
Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are non-negotiable for health. Support patients in obtaining proper Omega-6 and Omega-3 sources.
Fish oil is not always the answer. Overuse can lead to unintended cellular consequences—consider whole-food DHA sources or phospholipid-based alternatives.
Seed oils are not inherently bad. The problem lies in how they are processed. Educate patients on the difference between functional forms and industrially refined oils.
Testing is key. The Red Blood Cell Fatty Acid Test can provide a clearer picture of patient needs and inform personalized recommendations.
Upgrade Your Approach to Fatty Acid Therapy
As a wellness practitioner, your guidance is pivotal in helping patients navigate the often confusing world of nutrition. By focusing on functional, bioavailable sources of fats and leveraging testing tools, you can create a more effective strategy for optimizing cellular and mitochondrial health.
If you’re ready to integrate Body Bio’s high-quality lipid solutions into your practice, explore their product offerings in your GetHealthy Store here.
For more in-depth learning, be sure to join our upcoming webinars on cutting-edge wellness topics!
Stay informed. Stay balanced. Stay healthy.
