The Worst Ingredient in the World: Interview with Dr. Chris Knobbe

Please join me in welcoming Dr. Chris Knobbe! Dr. Knobbe is an ophthalmologist who has been working on seed oil research for the past 13 years. His research investigates industrial seed oils and their connection to obesity, diabetes, and almost all the chronic diseases that plague us today. Sugar consumption levels did not change much between 1922 and 1987; however, obesity increased by 600%! During this time frame, vegetable oil consumption went from 78 calories per person per day to 497 calories, respectively! The average American gets around ⅓ of their calories from seed oils. In 1890, diabetes was incredibly rare, affecting around 0.0028% of the population. By 2016, 13% of the population had diabetes. How do seed oils contribute to diabetes? Simply put, seed oils drive mitochondrial dysfunction, inhibiting the body's ability to burn fuel properly. Seed oils are rich in omega-6 fatty acids that accumulate in our body fat, cell membranes, and mitochondrial membranes. These polyunsaturated fats cause oxidation and inflammation in the body. They are also nutrient deficient. When you consume nutrient-deficient foods like seed oils or sugar, your body has to pull from nutrient reserves, creating deficiencies. Cottonseed oil was the first seed oil introduced into the food supply. It was initially manufactured as machine oil and lamp oil. It was also used as fertilizer and cattle feed. The goal was to make money and outsell butter and lard, and the manufacturers were very successful. By 2010, the average American consumed 80 grams of seed oils daily. One of the easiest ways to eliminate seed oils from your diet is to stop purchasing food with a label! Focus on whole foods like meat, eggs, dairy, and produce, and avoid processed foods. Check out Dr. Chris Knobbe YouTube Channel and Website: / @chrisknobbemd