Chapter 1
How seed oils became the talk of the town
Chapter 2
New laws on the back of your bottle
Chapter 3
The science under the microscope
Chapter 4
Becoming an ingredient detective at home
Ch 3 · The science under the microscope
alicecooks Clinical trials show no increase in inflammatory markers from this essential omega-6 fatty acid that our bodies must get from food
alicecooks Thermal oxidation breaks down highly unsaturated fats when home cooks reheat frying oils.
Quiz
What is the chemical term for the breakdown of fatty acids when exposed to high heat and oxygen?
Quiz
Why are saturated fats like coconut oil or tallow more stable at high cooking temperatures than seed oils?
Fun Fact
Essential fats: Linoleic acid is so essential that without it, your skin would lose its ability to hold onto water, leading to severe dryness!
Quiz
Which beneficial antioxidant is naturally preserved in unrefined, cold-pressed oils but often lost during high-heat refining?
Glossary
linoleic acid (noun)
An essential polyunsaturated fatty acid found in vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds. A 2026 review in Critical Reviews in Food Science found this acid does not promote human inflammation.
An essential polyunsaturated fatty acid found in vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds. A 2026 review in Critical Reviews in Food Science found this acid does not promote human inflammation.
alicecooks The Omega Ratio Balance
Bring back the balance, bring back the balance / A simple one-to-one is what we need.
Quiz
What is estimated to be the average ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in the modern Western diet?
Quiz
Which of the following foods is an excellent source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids to help balance your fat intake?