English 103 -- FINAL Paper

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Drexel University *

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103

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Medicine

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Jan 9, 2024

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docx

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Uploaded by ConstableHawk13235

Overly Processed Foods in America: The Detrimental Impact of Seed Oils Abstract The rising trend of consuming processed foods in the U.S. is alarming, especially with health issues being a major concern. This study dives deep into one major component of these foods: seed oils. We'll explore their presence in our diets, their increasing popularity, and the potential health risks tied to them. 1. Introduction Processed foods, due to their convenience and affordability, have found their way into numerous American kitchens. Yet, the debate over their health implications, especially concerning ingredients like seed oils, is ongoing. 2. The Rise of Overly Processed Foods in America The past century marked a significant growth in the production and consumption of processed foods, driven by technological advancements in the food industry and socio-economic shifts. Processed foods became a go-to for quick, budget-friendly meals. Reference: Moss, Michael. "Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us." Random House, 2013. 3. Seed Oils: An Overview Originating from plant seeds, seed oils have gained popularity in processed foods due to their cost-effectiveness and longer shelf life. Some widely-used ones include canola, soybean, sunflower, and corn oils. 4. Health Implications of Seed Oils The potential harms associated with excessive consumption of seed oils include: Inflammation: Many seed oils are rich in Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids which, when consumed excessively in relation to omega-3s, might lead to inflammation. Reference: Simopoulos, Artemis P. "The omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio's role in chronic diseases." Experimental biology and medicine 233.6 (2008): 674-688. Oxidative Stress: The unsaturated fats in seed oils can oxidize when heated, leading to the creation of compounds that may be harmful and can induce oxidative stress. Reference: Grootveld, Martin, et al. "The health repercussions of oxidized heated oils." Foodservice Research International 13.1 (2001): 41-55. Increased Risk of Chronic Diseases: There's emerging evidence that high consumption of seed oils might be linked to chronic illnesses such as heart disease and obesity. Reference: Fritsche, Kevin L. "Excessive linoleic acid and inflammation." Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and Essential Fatty Acids 79.3-5 (2008): 173-175.

5. Conclusion While processed foods score high on convenience, they might come with unseen health repercussions. Seed oils, a prevalent ingredient, seem to be at the forefront of these health challenges. Further research and public awareness initiatives are essential to tackle this pressing health matter. Works Cited Fritsche, Kevin L. "Too much linoleic acid promotes inflammation—doesn’t it?." Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids 79.3-5 (2008): 173-175. Grootveld, Martin, et al. "Health effects of oxidized heated oils." Foodservice Research International 13.1 (2001): 41-55. Moss, Michael. "Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us." Random House, 2013. Simopoulos, Artemis P. "The importance of the omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio in cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases." Experimental biology and medicine 233.6 (2008): 674-688.

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