Which do you think is worse for your health: sugar or omega-6 fatty acids? Find out.
Videos on Sugar:
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Omega 3:6 Ratio:
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Grass Fed vs. Grass Finished Beef Video:
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0:00 Introduction: Sugar vs. omega-6 fatty acids
9:44 Which is worse: sugar or omega-6 fatty acids
9:54 Omega-3, omega-6 ratios
14:23 The effects of omega-6 on DNA
15:58 Learn more about grain-fed beef vs. grass-fed beef
Today we’re going to discuss which is worse: sugar or seed oils packed with omega-6 fatty acids.
Common seed oils are:
• Soy oil
• Corn oil
• Canola oil
• Cottonseed oil
• Safflower oil
• Sunflower oil
On average, we’re consuming way too many foods high in omega-6 fats. Ideally, a person should consume a 1:1 ratio of omega-3 fatty acids to omega-6 fatty acids.
However, the average ratio is 15:1. This imbalance can lead to all kinds of health problems, especially in the cell membranes.
Refined sugar also leads to health issues and is converted to fat, but the extra sugar doesn’t accumulate in the body like omega-6 fatty acids do.
Omega-6 fatty acids (seed oils) lodge into your cells and accumulate in your tissues for 600 days. They are not water-soluble like sugar is and can't be burned off like sugar can.
Both refined oils and refined sugar can deplete important nutrients. While certain whole foods, like fruit, have sugar, they also have nutrients and phytonutrients to help replenish what was lost and provide protection. But seed oils are a highly refined, over-processed part of a seed that doesn’t have any protective factors.
To make seed oils they also use a solvent called hexane to extract the oil from the seed—is it possible some of this solvent could end up in the oil?
Overall, while sugar isn't good for you, omega-6 fatty acids are worse for your health than sugar is.
Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio:
Dr. Berg, age 57, is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the author of the best-selling book The Healthy Keto Plan, and is the Director of Dr. Berg Nutritionals. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media.
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Disclaimer:
Dr. Eric Berg received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1988. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Berg is a licensed chiropractor in Virginia, California, and Louisiana, but he no longer practices chiropractic in any state and does not see patients so he can focus on educating people as a full-time activity, yet he maintains an active license. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Berg and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
#keto #ketodiet #weightloss #ketolifestyle
Thanks for watching! I hope this helps explain why omega-6 fatty acids are worse for your health than sugar. I’ll see you in the next video.
63 responses to “Seed Oil vs. Sugar: Which is Worse?”
The world needs Dr. Bergs farm! ❤
It is certainly my dream. We were all born in the wrong century, I often think how much happier life would be working those farms in the early 1800’s! And yes I fully realize it was a painfully difficult day-to-day existence with no modern time-saver devices like tractors to help. But, so what!!
Let’s hope he can replace Cargill/Macmillan
In almost every grocery store today, there is a section labeled “Natural Foods.” If that’s a true label, then what’s in the rest of the store?
Years ago a friend called an asked me to look up the carbs, calories and fibre in a packaged food. Before internet. I had a very good book. Still use it on occasion, even though out to date on some things.
There were several brands and it was based on 1/2 cup servings. The normal brands had about 35 to 40 carbs per half cup. The very expensive organic, natural brand was close to 80 carbs. I am guessing a lot of added sugar.
*_Dr Berg should be declared a National Treasure, seriously …_*
@Michael Matey I already said that 5 hours ago.
International*
Combo of them all! White oils cause inflammation.
@Linda Pietrasz.. very well, you went first….did not read that – we will award him “A Global Health Diplomat” status🙂
🤭
Watching your videos has saved our lives Dr. Berg and we thank you ❤
I believe he said monkfruit and stevia is way better than sugar but not Splenda equal or any others
Great Words.
I’m commenting before the finish; but I believe the Omega-6 fatty acids that we get from seed oils are horrendous and disastrous for our bodies. Both are bad… great video, thank you for doing this!
Yes indeed
I wish if Dr Berg can clarify if using sweeteners frequently can be as harmful as sugar or not. Thanks for the info Dr Berg 🌸
@imakilla Thanks. I’ve already got erythritol at home.
@Al B I’ll try 😊 Thanks.
@Sabrina and husband Looks like this honey is the best. But this doesnt mean common honey is bad. You can find someone that produces honey and buy raw honey from them. Important is that you dont use sugars and any kind of sweeteners.
@Sabrina and husband If you follow keto diet do as he say if you have health problems. I am talking in general life style. Avoid fake foods, fried foods, sugars, and wheat products eat twice a day and dont eat much, don’t eat low quality meats and if you eat meat eat it just once a week maximum. Do 15 mins exercise at least or 30 min walk. This is for general way of living if you dont want to bother with diets
@Al B Great strategy. Yes, some folks will never be able to totally eliminate sweets!
Because of your advice, and my very strict KETO diet ( EVOOIL, Coconut cream, and Salmon and sardines, and organic eggs – Everyday), I don’t have to worry about one thing that you mentioned in this video……. since NONE of the processed poison is in my diet. Zero.
I try to go 90%+++++ organic, but that isn’t always possible when traveling. KETO is 🙂
Yessss. Just had a huge slab of wild salmon yesterday. $30 but worth it
I am not worried too. I don’t go for any packaged stuff. And I use cocunut oil made in my house itself
@LuisC7 Good quality salmon is pricey. The canned version less pricey but hard to compare to fresh!
You are so right about not finding FOOD in the grocery stores. The last time I went to Costco (a month ago) I was struck with the thought, there’s no food here anymore. Just more home goods, packaged foods etc. The meat priced me out. I think both seed oils and sugar are terrible for us – and they’re usually together in packaged foods, but probably the oils are worse.
@Rita LaFleur suburban Chicago – the actual food placement was redone last few years so there are rarely enough eggs (have to be there early on the delivery day), fresh fruits & vegetables occupies a space less than half of previously, but the bulk of the store is clothing, furniture, housewares, etc. Personal care items/pharmacy items also reduced to about half of previous space. I was looking for a bottle of wine (not expensive- Apothic) and the cases that were on display were covered in a layer of dusty dirt as if they had been stored in some forgotten basement corner…. Also noticed expiration dates of canned items such as chicken or salmon, is earlier than ones I bought several months ago. In a Gordons Food Service store I found several-months-expired cans of soup (gave it to the cashier).
Costco has the big box of dates for smoothies
I agree, the majority of the food at Costco is horrible, BUT there are some excellent ingredients if you look closely and are selective. The olive oil, the Kirkland brand, apple cider vinegar, and a few things here and there along with the meat if one is selective can find very good quality. There are a couple of Youtube channels dedicated to “healthy finds” at Costco and other places. These days, I shop mostly at Sprout’s Farmer’s market as overall, they have a good selection of real whole food to buy.
I feel like it’s oil since I experienced it. I used to use canola oil and I had joint pain due to inflammation . Ever since I stopped using it I’m feeling much better.
@Tiff Gplu olive oil
And if I’m deep frying something I use mustard seed oil. Sure it has strong flavor but for very first time. After that it is like normal oil. Key is to heat it on high heat completely first time then use it after cooling it for deep frying.
@Masterpiececoconut oil?
@Jane Rowena I used olive oil for day to day cooking but not for deep frying
Was the canola cold pressed organic? Huge difference
Dr. Berg, you changed our lives, changed eating habits for our adult children, and will keep teaching the right diet to our grandkids. Your knowledge, ability to compile scientific data and provide it to general population are amazing talent.
Dr. Berg needs to do a video on MRNA being injected in all the animals and veggies / everything
@Good Life I agree 👍
I grow/raise as much of my own foods as is humanly possible. Sourcing my food is critical. This year is the first year I have reduced refined sugar in my diet and continue to strive to completely eliminate it from my diet. Your vids are helping me to become a healthier version. Thank you ❤
It’s very interesting to learn that sugar is slightly less harmful than crappy oil. I cook with the fats that you have listed . And my sugar is from fruit. I have learned the true cost of avocado and kiwi fruit I have decided that I will no longer eat them I am on a mission to eat only fruit that is grown locally it makes me sad to know what the production cost and transport costs of avocados and kiwi really are .but I feel that not buying them is the least I can do . my favourite fruit blueberries is grown locally and apples too I have local wild organic blueberries in my freezer . I don’t know of a source for local organic apples or strawberries but I will search for some when they are in season in the Maritimes.🎉 It certainly will make a change in what and when I eat fruit but I think it’s the best way to go. Thank you I look forward to seeing you in the next one 😊
Did you know? 80% of packaged foods in the U.S. are banned in other countries . . . that is, ingredients found in around 80 percent of our processed foods are illegal in other countries.
@Mila Q Thanks for sharing. Understood perfectly!
@BornAgainBride ☺️😅 Merci beaucoup
I live in Australia…. most Americans who come here and stay for a few months end up losing weight. We are constantly amazed at what is allowed to be eaten in the US.
@Mila Q Rien!
Unfortunately. You name a popular food or beverage and it’s usually tainted with something unhealthy. One reason I became a vegetarian and eliminated many unhealthy snacks, etc.
I think the oil is worse, because there is no equivalent for it in nature and it is almost completely unnatural and foreign to our body. The sugar is pretty bad as well but at the end of the day it can be dealt with in the body even if it is at the cost of slowly breaking the metabolic system.
I love you Doctor❤️ you have inspired me to study nutrition and hopefully become 10% as good of a doctor as you are, sir🌹
I am learning so much from your channel. You have an easy way of explaining things. It’s sad to see so many foods touted as “healthy” when they’re really toxic. I’m changing my diet, but think it might be months before I see changes and I’m heartbroken that the standard American diet ruined my life while it’s still being promoted.
Chris, jump into that keto approach and sprinkle in some days of intermittent fasting and you’ll see results much more sooner than you expect. Incorporate some exercise with that and you’ll be on your way!
Ditto
@Eddie C I’m doing IF and OMAD about once a week or more if I can, Keto, cut sugars and carbs out of my diet as much as possible, Bullet Proof coffee, strength train at least 4-5x a week, and walk everyday. I’m seeing small changes, but it’s been 50 years of the SAD. I just feel like my body fights me all the time…
Can you do a “what I eat in a day” video? It would be interesting to see your typical meals and supplements
Dr. Berg already has that video…google “What I Eat in One Day,”
@Kerri Dillon okay thanks!
I have had severe IBS for 15 years, no doctor knew what caused it and I did many treatments, medicines and tests with no results. Half a year ago I saw a video by Dr Berg about how bad seed oils and sugar was showing how it affected the body. Then BOOM two days after I stopped seed oils and sugar I haven’t had a SINGLE problem with my stomach for half a year now. Thank you Dr Berg!
Thanks for telling what occurred after stopping sugar. Glad you are not suffering anymore. I used to suffer to suffer with it too and it stopped after I went to cooking with raw foods, eating a simple sweetened chocolate with organic cane sugar, onions and garlic every day, very little breads, and no drinks but water once in a while from store shelves.
Wow! Awesome!!!
Me as well. For decades I have had multiple health problems. Ibs colitis, fibromyalgia arthritis. And many others. And for years I was given many things to try and help. But nothing helped as much as getting off grains, sugar and seed oils. Along with all highly processed food, fast foods etc. I was in pain constantly. I do still have pain but it is just a fraction of what I use to have. I am even able to walk more than to the bathroom. I can go out and enjoy walking again. I have currently lost 25 lbs. i still have a way to go but it is so incredible to feel like I am getting my life back.
I think it’s horrible doctors don’t even suggest elimination diets for many issues, prescribe dangerous drugs and invasive tests instead of saying “ hmm maybe try cutting out foods for a few weeks and see if it helps!”😡😡
Dr. Berg, since I’ve been following your videos and taking your advice, my health has improved many times over. I just had an extensive Cleveland Heart blood study and I was excited to see the results. I just turned 70 and have not been on any meds for years. Prior to my lifestyle change, I was insulin resistant, had high blood pressure, GERD, sleep apnea, and I was overweight. All of those conditions no longer exist. I am sleeping much better, have much less stress even though some circumstances would warrant it, and just have a better general attitude in life. Thank you so much for your generous contribution to the world and for the time you take to study and share your knowledge with your audience.
Hey Dr. Berg, 4th year medstudent here, going to be a Family Doctor Resident in 2 months. I would love to have you on my podcast sometime! Here is a rough summary of the video!
[00:00] – Differentiating between sugar and omega-6 seed oils
[02:05] – Industrial seed oils and refined sugar have negative effects on the body
[04:23] – Refined sugar is much worse than fruit sugar and can cause gum problems, depletion of vitamins and complications for diabetes.
[06:28] – Seed oils are prevalent in our diet and pose health risks
[08:30] – Avoid consuming foods high in omega-6 fatty acids
[10:30] – Choose pasture-raised organic eggs and grass-fed beef for better omega-6 to omega-3 ratio.
[12:29] – Reduce Omega-6 and increase Omega-3 intake
[14:20] – Omega-3 fatty acids are important because our body has difficulty converting precursors like Ala into DHA or EPA.
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Here is a more detailed summary for the video:
[00:00] Differentiating between sugar and omega-6 seed oils
– High percentage of sugar in grocery store food
– Importance of maintaining proper omega-6 to omega-3 ratio
[02:05] Industrial seed oils and refined sugar have negative effects on the body
– Industrial seed oils accumulate in tissues and deplete fat-soluble nutrients
– Refined sugar depletes B1 and competes with vitamin C
[04:23] Refined sugar is much worse than fruit sugar and can cause gum problems, depletion of vitamins and complications for diabetes.
– Consuming refined sugar can cause subclinical scurvy, which is characterized by bleeding gums and fatigue.
– Fruit sugar, on the other hand, has phytonutrients that protect against the complications of diabetes.
– Seed oils, which are highly refined and over-processed, lack phytonutrients and can create oxidation, inflammation, and pull things out of the body.
[06:28] Seed oils are prevalent in our diet and pose health risks
– Seed oils such as soy, canola, safflower, and sunflower oil are used in many condiments and salad dressings
– Restaurants also heavily use seed oils in frying and cooking, leading to possible health issues
[08:30] Avoid consuming foods high in omega-6 fatty acids
– Deficiencies in vitamins like B1, C, zinc, and magnesium can result from consuming glucose products while exercising
– The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 should be 1:1, but the average person has a ratio of 25:1
– Grains fed to animals can also contain high levels of omega-6 fatty acids
[10:30] Choose pasture-raised organic eggs and grass-fed beef for better omega-6 to omega-3 ratio.
– Free-range non-GMO non-soy fed chickens produce eggs with a better ratio (1.3:1) compared to commercial ones (19.9:1).
– Grass-fed beef has a better ratio (2:1) of omega-6 to omega-3 compared to grain-fed beef (9:1).
[12:29] Reduce Omega-6 and increase Omega-3 intake
– Consuming nuts can balance out complications from Omega-6
– Refined foods lose protective factors
– Competitive nature between Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids
– Cod liver oil is a good source for Omega-3
[14:20] Omega-3 fatty acids are important because our body has difficulty converting precursors like Ala into DHA or EPA.
– Eating walnuts or flaxseed does not easily convert to DHA or EPA.
– Fish oils or eating wild-caught fish are good sources of Omega-3 fatty acids.
I wondered about lard. My family and my husband’s family consumed lard because that’s what there was to use and several of them lived to 100 and more. Of course they didn’t feel fry things or eat a lot of processed foods and sweets as regularly as they are available today. Thank you for your very important information.