Everything Everywhere Daily: Episode Summary - "Seed. Oils"

Release Date: May 8, 2025
Host: Gary Arndt | Glassbox Media

Introduction to Seed Oils

In this episode of Everything Everywhere Daily, host Gary Arndt delves deep into the pervasive presence of seed oils in the modern diet. He begins by highlighting their ubiquitous nature:

“Whether or not you're aware of it in the last day, if you're anywhere near average, there's a good chance that you have consumed seed oils.”
— Gary Arndt [00:00]

Gary clarifies the terminology, distinguishing between "seed oils" and "cold-pressed oils":

“Vegetable oil is really a misnomer and a marketing term because there are no vegetables in vegetable oil... for the rest of this episode I will be referring to them as seed oils.”
— Gary Arndt [00:20]

Historical Context of Seed Oils

Gary traces the origins of seed oils, noting their minimal presence in human diets until the late 19th century. Traditionally, societies relied on animal fats like lard and butter or cold-pressed oils such as olive and coconut oil. Seed oils from plants like flax and hemp were primarily used for non-culinary purposes.

The advent of mechanical pressing in the 19th century revolutionized oil extraction:

“In the early 1800s, mechanical screw presses were developed that could extract more oil than traditional methods.”
— Gary Arndt [06:30]

This innovation led to the extraction of cottonseed oil, a byproduct previously considered waste in the American South. Initially used for soap and candles, cottonseed oil wasn't consumed by humans due to its bitter taste and impurities.

Industrialization and Mass Production

The early 20th century marked significant advancements with the hydrogenation process:

“Wilhelm Norman's hydrogenation technique... converts liquid unsaturated fatty acids into more saturated solid fats.”
— Gary Arndt [12:45]

Procter and Gamble capitalized on this technology by introducing Crisco in 1911, a hydrogenated cottonseed oil marketed as a healthier alternative to lard. This product's success was amplified during both World Wars when animal fats were scarce, and seed oils became essential for both industrial and culinary uses.

The rise of industrial agriculture further propelled seed oil production:

“By the mid-20th century, soybean oil had overtaken butter in the American diet.”
— Gary Arndt [22:15]

Subsidized crops like soybeans and corn were processed into cheap, versatile oils, becoming staples in processed foods and restaurant cooking.

Modern Processing Techniques

Gary provides an in-depth look at the industrial processing of seed oils:

“Modern industrial processing of seed oils involves a sophisticated multi-stage process designed to maximize yield and create a shelf-stable, neutral-tasting product.”
— Gary Arndt [28:40]

The process includes cleaning, dehulling, mechanical or chemical extraction (often using hexane), and various refinement stages such as degumming, neutralization, bleaching, and deodorization. These steps ensure the oil's neutrality and shelf stability, making it ideal for mass production.

Health Implications

The surge in seed oil consumption has sparked debates regarding their health effects. Gary highlights two primary concerns:

1. Trans Fats:
   Initially prevalent in hydrogenated seed oils, trans fats were linked to health hazards. The FDA banned artificial trans fats in 2015, prompting manufacturers to seek alternatives or non-hydrogenated oils.

   “In the early 2000s, after decades of research, trans fats were declared hazardous, prompting reformulations of many seed oil products.”
   — Gary Arndt [35:50]

2. Omega-6 Fatty Acids:
   Seed oils are high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. While naturally occurring, modern diets have skewed the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio from a traditional 1:1 to as high as 15:1 or 21:1, potentially promoting inflammation.

   “Modern diets... often have ratios as high as 15 or 21, which some research suggests may promote inflammation.”

— Gary Arndt [38:30]

Economic and Environmental Impact

Seed oils have not only transformed diets but also global economies and agricultural practices. The global oilseed market was valued at approximately $260 billion in 2024, with projections reaching $338.7 billion by 2034. Soybeans dominate this market, accounting for over 59% of revenue.

Gary also touches upon the environmental consequences:

“The rise in seed oil production has resulted in large amounts of land devoted to crops for its creation.”
— Gary Arndt [42:10]

Monocultures and intensive farming practices associated with oilseed crops have significant ecological implications, including biodiversity loss and soil degradation.

Cultural Ubiquity of Seed Oils

From supermarkets worldwide to local markets, seed oils are a global phenomenon. Gary notes their presence in various industries beyond food:

“Seed oils aren't just used for food... They're major ingredients in cosmetics, soaps, shampoos, detergents, and biofuels.”
— Gary Arndt [45:00]

This widespread use underscores their integral role in both daily life and industrial applications.

Conclusion

Gary Arndt underscores the profound transformation seed oils have brought to human diets and industries within a century. From being virtually nonexistent in historical diets to becoming a cornerstone of modern nutrition and economy, seed oils exemplify a significant yet often overlooked technological and agricultural shift.

“Seed oils are arguably just as important as electricity, the automobile, and the Internet... they've become an enormous part of the daily diet of people all over the world in just a century.”
— Gary Arndt [50:25]

He emphasizes the silent yet impactful role seed oils play in shaping contemporary lifestyles and health paradigms.

Episodes and Community Engagement

Gary extends gratitude to the podcast's executive producer, Charles Daniel, and associate producers, Austin Oakton and Cameron Kiefer. He also acknowledges supporters on Patreon and invites listeners to join the Everything Everywhere community on Facebook and Discord for further discussions.

Stay Curious: For those intrigued by the intricate world of seed oils and their global impact, this episode offers a comprehensive exploration of their history, production, and role in shaping modern society.