273 Seed Oils, Inflammation and Healthy Aging with Cherie Calbom

Are the so-called "heart-healthy" vegetable oils in your kitchen truly supporting your health—or could they be contributing to inflammation and metabolic imbalance? In this episode of Growing Older Living Younger, Dr. Gillian Lockitch speaks with nutrition expert Cherie Calbom, MS, CN, about industrial seed oils such as canola, soybean, sunflower, and corn oil, and the growing concerns surrounding their role in oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and healthy aging. Cherie explains how highly processed oils may affect metabolic health, brain function, and overall wellness, and shares practical guidance on choosing healthier fats and using nutrition strategies—including juicing—to support vitality and longevity. This conversation offers actionable insights for anyone who wants to reduce inflammation, make more informed food choices, and age with greater energy and resilience.Cherie Calbom, MS, CN, is a certified nutritionist, wellness educator, and bestselling author widely known as "The Juice Lady." She holds a Master of Science degree in nutrition and has written 36 books, including the classic Juicing for Life. Cherie has received two Lifetime Achievement Awards for her pioneering contributions to nutrition and wellness education. She has served on the Board of Regents at Bastyr University and has advised high-profile leaders, including George Foreman. Her latest book, The Truth About Seed Oils, challenges conventional dietary advice and offers practical strategies to reduce inflammation and support better health.  Episode Timeline  00:00 – Introduction and episode overview  Dr. Gillian introduces the controversy surrounding industrial seed oils and their potential role in inflammation and chronic disease.  03:13 – Cherie's healing journey  Cherie shares how she overcame chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia through juicing and whole food nutrition.  07:53 – The first healing juice recipes  The vegetable juices Cherie used to restore her health and why variety matters.  10:20 – The NAMA J2 juicer  Cherie describes her favorite hands-free juicer and how it simplifies daily juicing.  11:50 – What are seed oils?  A historical overview of vegetable oils and how they became mainstream.  16:48 – Why canola oil became so dominant  The economic reasons manufacturers favor cheap industrial oils.  18:57 – The chemistry of oxidation and inflammation  How polyunsaturated fats become unstable and generate harmful byproducts.  21:10 – The worst oils to avoid  Soybean, canola, corn, sunflower, safflower, cottonseed, grapeseed, and rice bran oils.  22:43 – Healthy fats to use instead  Olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, ghee, tallow, and sesame oil.  25:14 – Seed oils, weight gain, and brain health  Why reducing industrial oils may support body composition and cognitive vitality.  29:13 – One simple change to start today  Read labels, eliminate seed oils, and choose traditional fats.  30:09 – Final thoughts and favorite health maxim:  "Nothing on earth tastes as good as good health."  Connect with Cherie Calbom IG @juiceladycherie FB @thejuicelady YouTube: TheJuiceLadyCherie LinkedIn: Cherie-Calbom X @juiceladycherie Call to Action: Find Growing Older Living Younger: The Science of Aging Gracefully and the Art of Retiring Comfortably at www.gillianlockitch.com (North America) Subscribe to Growing Older Living Younger on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to help others discover the show. Join the Growing Older Living Younger Community  Connect with Dr. Gillian Lockitch at https://www.askdrgill.com/ or email: [email protected] Download Guide to Nature's Colorful Antioxidants. 2026