The Role of Omega-6s, Inflammation, and Mitochondrial Health in Weight Loss and Energy
Seed oils—such as soybean, corn, canola, sunflower, and safflower oil—are common in processed foods and restaurant meals. While they’ve long been marketed as ‘heart-healthy’ due to their unsaturated fat content, research suggests they may be a hidden culprit in metabolic dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and sluggish energy levels. But what actually happens when you cut them out of your diet? Let’s take a deep dive into how eliminating seed oils can impact your metabolism, weight loss, and overall energy levels.
1. Reduced Chronic Inflammation
Seed oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid. While omega-6s are essential in small amounts, the modern diet has drastically skewed the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. Excess omega-6 intake promotes chronic inflammation, which has been linked to insulin resistance, obesity, and metabolic disorders.
When you remove seed oils, your body can begin rebalancing its fatty acid profile, leading to reduced systemic inflammation. Lower inflammation levels support better insulin sensitivity, more stable blood sugar, and improved metabolic flexibility.
2. Improved Mitochondrial Function and Energy Production
Mitochondria are the powerhouses of your cells, responsible for converting food into usable energy (ATP – adenosine triphosphate – the primary energy carrier in cells). Studies suggest that high levels of linoleic acid from seed oils can damage mitochondrial function, leading to reduced energy production and increased oxidative stress.
Eliminating seed oils allows your cells to rely on healthier fat sources, such as monounsaturated fats (olive oil, avocado) and saturated fats (coconut oil, grass-fed butter), which support efficient energy metabolism. This switch can lead to increased endurance, better workout performance, and overall improved vitality.
3. Enhanced Fat-Burning and Metabolic Flexibility
A key aspect of a healthy metabolism is its ability to switch between burning carbohydrates and fat for fuel. Excess linoleic acid has been shown to disrupt this process by impairing mitochondrial efficiency and promoting fat storage rather than fat oxidation.
By eliminating seed oils, your body may become more efficient at burning stored fat for energy, which can lead to easier weight management and improved metabolic health. This is particularly beneficial for those on low-carb or ketogenic diets who rely on fat as a primary energy source.
4. Lowered Risk of Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome
Chronic consumption of seed oils has been associated with insulin resistance—a condition where cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar and fat storage. Insulin resistance is a key driver of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.
Cutting out seed oils can help stabilize blood sugar, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce the risk of developing metabolic disorders. Many people who eliminate seed oils report more stable energy levels throughout the day, fewer energy crashes, and reduced cravings for processed carbohydrates.
5. Decreased Risk of Stored Body Fat from “Toxic” PUFA Accumulation
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) found in seed oils are prone to oxidation, meaning they become damaged when exposed to heat and light. These oxidized fats can get stored in body fat and contribute to long-term metabolic dysfunction.
Since PUFAs can remain in fat cells for months or even years, reducing seed oil intake allows your body to gradually clear out stored linoleic acid and replace it with healthier, more stable fats. This may lead to improved body composition over time and reduced inflammation-related weight gain.
How to Transition Away from Seed Oils
If you’re looking to eliminate seed oils from your diet, here are some practical steps:
- Swap out cooking oils: Use butter, ghee, coconut oil, avocado oil, or extra virgin olive oil instead.
- Check ingredient labels: Many processed and packaged foods contain seed oils—opt for whole, unprocessed foods when possible.
- Choose better restaurant options: Ask for food cooked in butter or olive oil when dining out.
- Prioritize omega-3 intake: Balance your omega-6 to omega-3 ratio by consuming fatty fish, grass-fed meats, and high-quality fish oil supplements.
Eliminating seed oils can have profound effects on your metabolism, from reducing inflammation and improving mitochondrial health to enhancing fat-burning and stabilizing blood sugar. While the transition may take time, the long-term benefits make it a worthwhile investment in your metabolic health and overall well-being.
Why MariGold Stands Apart
At MariGold, we’ve always been committed to providing clean, high-quality nutrition without the hidden ingredients that sabotage your health. That’s why you’ll never find seed oils in our products. We believe in fueling your body with healthy, stable fats that support optimal metabolism, energy, and well-being.
- Our Fat Bombs and PB Crisps are crafted with wholesome ingredients and free from inflammatory seed oils, ensuring a snack that supports, rather than hinders, your health goals.
- MariGold Collagen Peptides provide essential amino acids to help restore gut health, reduce inflammation, and support healthy metabolism.
- We use only high-quality, natural fats like grass-fed ghee, coconut oil, and organic nuts to deliver the best nutrition without the metabolic downsides of seed oils.
By choosing MariGold, you’re choosing better ingredients that work with your body—not against it. Your metabolism, energy levels, and long-term health will thank you!
