🎧 INTRODUCTION – The Sense Check Lab

Welcome to The Sense Check Lab, the podcast where we unpack trendy health claims—and put them under a microscope. No hype, no headlines—just real science, checked and cross-checked.

In this episode: “Seed Oils: Toxic or Trending?”
We’re digging deep into the ongoing debate around seed oils like canola, sunflower, and soybean. Are they quietly causing inflammation and chronic disease? Or are they smart substitutes for saturated fats?

You’ve probably heard passionate opinions on both sides—but we’re not here for hot takes. We’re here for cold, peer-reviewed facts. We’ll explore what the best available science from laboratories, clinical trials, and public health institutions says about the impacts of these oils on your heart, your inflammation markers, and your overall well-being.

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. While we aim to present scientific findings as accurately and objectively as possible, always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet or health regimen. The Sense Check Lab is independent and unsponsored. We reference only peer-reviewed science and institutional research. No food company affiliations. No commercial agendas.📚 REFERENCES

Below are the references for this episode, each noted with Research Name – Year – Organization:

• Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Controlled Clinical Trials on Canola Oil – 2020 – ScienceDirect

• Meta-analysis on Canola Oil Consumption and Lipid Profile – 2019 – PubMed

• Soybean Germ Oil and Cholesterol – 2019 – Chinese University of Hong Kong (PubMed)

• Soy Protein and Cholesterol (Meta-analysis) – 2019 – University of Toronto and Affiliates (PubMed)

• Industrial Trans-fatty Acid Intake & Coronary Heart Disease (Review) – 2021 – Longdom Publishing

• Trans Fats Negative Health Effects – 2009 – University of Illinois (PubMed)

• Review of Trans Fats – 2011 – PMC/National Institutes of Health

• Omega-6 and Inflammation (In Vitro Study) – 2018 – Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney (American Journal of Physiology)

• PUFAs & Inflammation – 2025 – University of Bristol/UK Biobank (International Journal of Epidemiology)

• Omega-6 Fatty Acids & Inflammation (Cohort Study) – 2025 – Framingham Offspring Study Researchers (Nutrients Journal)

• Sunflower Seeds & Vitamin E in Lambs – 2014 – Animal Science Department, UNESP (Animal Production Science)

• Sunflower Oil & Cardiometabolic Risk Factors – Randomized Clinical Trial – 2020 – Gale Academic