Mouthing Off | US politicians, right-wing conspiracy theorists and … seed oils? Fats vs fiction

US politician Robert F Kennedy Jnr believes seed oils are bad and animal fats are good. Andrew Sun makes some lard choices

Reading Time:2 minutes

Politician Robert F Kennedy Jnr, who is known for his outspoken views on vaccination and eating roadkill, is against the use of seed oils for cooking. Photo: TNS

Published: 7:45am, 5 Dec 2024

Seed oils have suddenly become the new target for anti-science health zealots and conspiracy peddlers.

One such proponent is Robert F Kennedy Jnr, incoming US president Donald Trump’s choice for secretary of health and human services.

The politician specifically mentioned such products – cooking oils like canola, corn oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, rice bran oil, and others made from the seed of plants – as something he would consider banning for their supposed harm.

By now, most people know Kennedy for frequently making false medical claims, such as linking vaccines to autism; he also once boasted he had a brain worm. He also does not like fluoride in water. By any measure, I don’t think he’s really someone to take seriously.

Robert F Kennedy Jnr and Donald Trump shake hands during a campaign rally in Arizona in August 2024. Trump has proposed Kennedy Jnr for the post of secretary for health and human services. Photo: TNS

His beliefs also extend to thinking seed oils can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, obesity, and chronic tissue inflammation.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2-3x faster

1.1x

220 WPM

Slow

Normal

Fast

00:0000:00

1.1x