ELI5: seed oils vs sugar health controversy

// eli5

What are seed oils and sugar?

Seed oils come from plants like sunflowers and soybeans [1], while sugar is the sweet stuff in candy and soda. Both are foods people eat, but some people think one is worse for you than the other [6].

Why do people argue about them?

Some wellness influencers on the internet say seed oils are "toxic" and bad for your heart [3][5], but doctors and heart experts say this isn't supported by science [2][4]. It's like people spreading a rumor that turned out not to be true.

What does the science actually say?

Scientists have tested seed oils like canola and soy, and found "no reason to avoid" them — they're actually heart-healthy fats [2][4][5]. Scientists have "debunked" the claims that seed oils are toxic [5].

So which is worse?

The real science shows seed oils aren't the problem people claim [5], but comparing them directly to sugar requires looking at how much of each you eat and how your body uses them [6].