Week 2 Roundup
From seed oils to influencer apparel brands, check out what's new this week in the world of consumer.
Burning Up
Seed oils have been getting a lot of heat lately, and it’s not hard to see why. These oils—like soybean, canola, sunflower, and corn oil—are in just about everything, from salad dressings to snack foods. The problem? Many people argue that they’re highly processed and loaded with omega-6 fatty acids, which can throw off the balance of fats in your diet. Too much omega-6 and not enough omega-3 (the kind you get from things like fish or flaxseeds) is thought to promote inflammation, which has been linked to a bunch of health issues like heart disease and obesity. Add to that the fact that seed oils are often heated to super high temperatures during cooking, which can create harmful compounds, and you’ve got a recipe for concern.
So, why is everyone suddenly talking about it? For one, social media has made it easy for health influencers and nutrition experts to share their takes, often with viral videos and eye-catching graphics. Plus, there’s been a growing interest in “clean eating” and going back to basics, which has people questioning the ingredients in their food. Seed oils, being a modern, industrial product, have become an easy target. There have been numerous big names in food from Sweetgreen and Truefood to even Outback Steakhouse as well as startups like Jesse & Ben’s, Masa, Siete, and and most recently Khloe Kardashian’s protein popcorn brand Khloud that have ditched the seed oils. Whether you’re on board with the anti-seed oil movement or not, it’s clear the conversation has struck a nerve with anyone looking to eat healthier and feel better.
Recipe of the Week
Lentil & Kale Superfood Salad
3 cups of finely chopped kale
2 cups of cooked lentils
2 cups of cooked quinoa
2 cups of shredded carrots
1 cup of dried cranberries
½ cup of sunflower seeds
¼ cup of goji berries
Dressing
3 tbsp of olive oil
2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp of honey
2 tbsp of dijon mustard
Juice from ½ a lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients together and toss in dressing, coating evenly. Let it sit in the fridge for a few hours before enjoying.
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