In this episode

• What seed oils are and how different dietary fats influence health
• Why seed oils are often misunderstood in conversations around inflammation
• The difference between saturated fats, monounsaturated fats, and polyunsaturated fats
• What the research says about seed oils and cardiometabolic health
• Why omega-3 fats play an important role in reducing inflammation and supporting heart and brain health
• How oil processing methods can influence oxidation and nutrient quality
• Practical tips for choosing healthier oils and improving fat quality at home

Show notes

Seed oils have become one of the most debated topics in nutrition, often labeled as “pro-inflammatory” online. But the research tells a more nuanced story. When minimally processed seed oils replace saturated fats, many studies show improvements in cholesterol balance, cardiovascular health, and overall cardiometabolic risk.

In this episode, Dr. Blake Butler explores the science behind seed oils, omega-3 fats, and inflammation through a functional medicine lens, with a focus on why this conversation may be especially important for the Down syndrome community where oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiometabolic concerns are already elevated.

The discussion covers the differences between saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats, the role of omega-3-rich foods like salmon and sardines, and why processing methods matter. Highly refined oils may lose protective antioxidants and become more susceptible to oxidation, while cold-pressed and minimally processed oils tend to retain more beneficial compounds.

The episode also offers practical guidance for families, including choosing higher-quality oils, increasing omega-3 intake, properly storing delicate oils, and making simple swaps that support long-term metabolic and cardiovascular health.

The takeaway Blake leaves families with: context and quality matter. Minimally processed oils, balanced with adequate omega-3 intake and an overall nutrient-dense diet, can support healthier inflammation and cardiometabolic function over time.

Related on Down For Greens

• Shop the greens complex: Down For Greens Supplements
• From the blog, Down For Health: Down For Health Blog
• All episodes of the Down For Health Podcast: Down For Health Podcast

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A note for families

This episode is for general education and is not medical advice. Any supplement, dietary, or lifestyle changes should be made with your own or your child’s provider, who can personalize a plan to you.

About the podcast

The Down For Health Podcast is hosted by Dr. Blake Butler, a functional medicine practitioner with postgraduate training through The Institute for Functional Medicine and the founder of Down For Greens. Blake’s older brother Nick has Down syndrome, and that lived experience shapes every episode. The show exists to give families, caregivers, and clinicians a functional medicine lens on the health questions that matter most in the Down syndrome community.

Sources:

K. Petersen, Mark Messina, Brent Flickinger (2025). Health Implications of Linoleic Acid and Seed Oil Intake.Nutrition Today

Lucas Fornari Laurindo, Lívia F