Seed Oils, Butter, and What the Science Really Says

In this episode of Rooted & Restless, Marianne Smith Edge sits down with Connie Diekman, MS, RDN to separate fact from fiction in today’s dietary fat debate. Together, they explore the latest headlines around fats, what the research shows, and how consumers can make sense of conflicting messages.

What We Cover:

• Why decades of research still show a link between saturated fats, LDL cholesterol, and cardiovascular risk.

• The source behind the backlash against seed oils and why social media has fueled confusion.

• How the backlash is driving changes in restaurant oil use to meet consumer demand.

• What the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans saturated fats recommendations actually look like on the plate…and why quantity matters.

Connie also shares practical insight from her work in cardiovascular health and foodservice, emphasizing that fats like butter and beef tallow can have a place on our plate, but we still need to think “balance”. Because food always has a story… and not all of it is as simple as it seems.

References:

Seed Oils- Good or Bad?

2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans