Podcast Host and Wellness Advocate Calls for Mindful Eating to Combat Inflammation and Metabolic Issues
LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESS Newswire / August 13, 2025 / Johanna Altman, founder of One Body Medicine and host of the Pure Wellness Podcast, is raising awareness about a hidden health threat lurking in everyday foods: seed oils.
Following her in-depth podcast episode on the subject, Altman is advocating for more mindful eating and label awareness to help people take back control of their health and reduce the risks tied to seed oil overconsumption.
"Seed oils are in almost every boxed food at the grocery store," Altman says. "It's very difficult to avoid completely, but the key is to minimize and be mindful."
Seed Oils: A Silent Ingredient With Big Risks
Seed oils, including canola, soybean, sunflower, and cottonseed oil, are found in nearly 90% of processed foods-from salad dressings and plant milks to muffins, breads, and fried foods.
According to Altman's research, the average American consumes 3 to 5 tablespoons of seed oils per day, often without realizing it. Studies show that higher seed oil intake is linked to increased inflammation, obesity, and metabolic dysfunction.
In the U.S., obesity rates rose from 30% to 42% over the past two decades, despite only modest increases in calorie consumption and physical activity levels.
"Something's got to be different in our environment," Altman notes. "We're eating something that's not natural."
From Industrial Lubricants to Kitchen Staples
During the podcast, Altman discussed the industrial origins of many seed oils-highlighting how cottonseed oil was once used as machinery lubricant during the Industrial Revolution.
"This was never meant to be a food," Altman said. "Companies used solvents like hexane, which is toxic in large quantities, to extract more oil from seeds. They bleach it, deodorize it, and then sell it as food."
She also explained the long-term health risks. "I think seed oils are one of those things where you have a natural tolerance for them in small amounts, but too much can cause metabolic issues," she warned. "Linoleic acid, a main fatty acid in seed oils, can interfere with insulin receptors and forms toxic byproducts."
A Practical Approach for Everyday Families
Altman's message isn't extreme-her focus is on practical, gradual change.
"We can't eliminate seed oils 100% because they're everywhere," she says. "But we can minimize our exposure by choosing whole, simple ingredients and avoiding highly processed foods."
Some of her top tips include:
Checking food labels carefully.
Cooking with alternatives like avocado oil, coconut oil, or grass-fed animal fats.
Using tools like the Seed Oil Scout app to find restaurants that avoid seed oils.
Supporting regenerative farms for cleaner, healthier protein sources.
Altman also encourages people to focus on "ancestral eating"-choosing foods that have been part of traditional diets for centuries, such as butter, olive oil, and fresh produce.
"A good rule of thumb is to shop the outer aisles of the grocery store where fresh food is," she advised. "Avoiding the middle aisles can help reduce exposure to these oils."
Start with One Small Change
Altman's goal is to empower people, not overwhelm them.
"You don't need to do everything at once," she says. "Start by swapping just one or two pantry staples for cleaner options. Every little change adds up."
She invites listeners to tune into The Pure Wellness Podcast to learn more about seed oils, healthy eating, and simple lifestyle shifts that can make a lasting impact.
"As long as we minimize and we're mindful, we should be okay," Altman says. "That's the message I want people to take home."
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Johanna Altman
Johanna Altman is a wellness entrepreneur, integrative health advocate, and host of The Pure Wellness Podcast. She is the founder of One Body Medicine, where she educates and empowers others to live healthier lives through mindful nutrition and regenerative therapies.
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SOURCE: Johanna Altman
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