Is Safflower Oil a Seed Oil? Your Guide to Avoiding Inflammatory Fats

In the ever-evolving world of eating better, it's easy to get lost in a sea of buzzwords and conflicting advice. One question that often pops up, especially for those diligently reading ingredient labels, is: "Is safflower oil a seed oil?"

The short answer is yes, safflower oil is indeed a seed oil. But understanding why that matters for your health, and what alternatives are out there, is key to making informed choices.

What Exactly is Safflower Oil?

Safflower oil is extracted from the seeds of the safflower plant (Carthamus tinctorius), a thistle-like annual plant. It's often marketed as a "heart-healthy" oil due to its high monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fat content, depending on the variety. You'll find it in everything from salad dressings and cooking oils to processed snacks and baked goods.

For a deeper dive on safflower oil, check out our article on The Hidden Dangers of Safflower Oil.

The Downside of Safflower Oil and Other Seed Oils

While some varieties of safflower oil might boast high levels of monounsaturated fats (like oleic safflower oil), the vast majority of readily available safflower oil and other common seed oils (think soybean, canola, sunflower, corn, and cottonseed) share several significant downsides:

•  Heavily Processed: To extract oil from tiny seeds, these oils typically undergo extensive industrial processing. This often involves high heat, chemical solvents like hexane, bleaching, and deodorizing, which can degrade the oil's beneficial compounds and create harmful byproducts.

•  High in Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Many seed oils, including common safflower oil, are exceptionally high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid. While omega-6s are essential, the modern Western diet has created a drastic imbalance, with far too much omega-6 compared to omega-3. This imbalance can promote  inflammation throughout the body and even heart disease.

•  Inflammatory Nature: A diet rich in highly processed, omega-6 dominant seed oils is strongly linked to chronic inflammation, which is a root cause of many modern diseases, including heart disease, autoimmune conditions, and certain cancers.

•  Concerning Research: Triple Negative Breast Cancer: This is a particularly crucial point for many. Emerging research suggests that the high levels of linoleic acid found in seed oils can actually fuel the growth and spread of triple-negative breast cancer cells:

"There has been recent research that shows some of these seed oils in the lab or research has been shown to fuel triple negative breast cancer cell growth. There's concern around that."

-Dr. Tara Narula, Chief Medical Correspondent ABC News

Related: Is Vegetable Really a Seed Oil?

Why Avocado Oil is a Superior Alternative

If you're looking to ditch the inflammatory seed oils, avocado oil is a superstar alternative. Here's why it stands head and shoulders above the rest:

•  Minimally Processed: Unlike seed oils, avocado oil is extracted from the fruit of the avocado. High-quality avocado oil is typically expeller-pressed or cold-pressed, without the need for harsh chemicals or excessive heat. This preserves its natural nutrients and delicate flavor.

•  Rich in Monounsaturated Fats: Avocado oil boasts an impressive profile, predominantly made up of monounsaturated fats (like oleic acid), which are known for their heart-healthy benefits and ability to reduce inflammation.

•  High Smoke Point: Its high smoke point makes it incredibly versatile for all types of cooking, from sautéing and roasting to high-heat searing, without breaking down and forming harmful compounds.

•  Neutral Flavor: Avocado oil has a mild, buttery flavor that doesn't overpower your food, making it perfect for both savory and sweet dishes.

•  Gut benefits: Some studies suggest that monounsaturated fats found in avocado oil may help support the integrity of your gut lining

Related: Is Canola Oil a Seed Oil?

Fuel Your Body the Right Way with Jackson's Snacks!

At Jackson's, we believe that delicious snacks shouldn't come at the expense of your wellness goals. That's why we're committed to using only the best ingredients, and when it comes to healthy fats, avocado oil is our go-to!

Ready to make the switch to smarter snacking? You'll love our:

•  Jackson's Sweet Potato Chips: Crafted with the natural goodness of sweet potatoes and cooked to crispy perfection in premium avocado oil.

•  Jackson's Kettle Chips: Your favorite classic kettle chips, but with a cleaner, healthier twist, thanks to our commitment to cooking them in pure avocado oil.

•  Jackson's Super Veggies Straws: A colorful, crunchy, and nutritious snack for the whole family, made with real vegetables and, you guessed it, wholesome avocado oil!

Make the conscious choice to nourish your body with ingredients you can trust. Head over to our website or find Jackson's Snacks in a store near you and taste the avocado oil difference today! Choose wisely for a happier you.

Read next: Is Olive Oil a Seed Oil?