The Effect Of Toxic, Rancid Oils On Your Health
As informed consumers, we are increasingly recognizing the negative consequences associated with extensively long supply chains and the lack of transparency regarding product origins. Much like the impact of the freshness and traceability of flour on our gluten tolerance, the presence of rancid oils in the shelves of our local supermarkets and beauty supply stores can pose significant risks to our well-being. Within the complex realm of the international market, regulatory agencies face substantial challenges in effectively overseeing and ensuring quality control throughout the entire production process, from cultivation to bottling. Consequently, it becomes imperative for individuals to become their own advocates and seek out traceable brands that can be trusted.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ISSUE
In his authoritative work, "Eight Weeks To Optimum Health," Dr. Andrew Weil underscores the potential harm caused by rancid oil, including DNA damage, accelerated aging, tissue degeneration, and increased susceptibility to cancer. In essence, rancid oils possess toxic properties and generate free radicals within the body, which can wreak havoc on cellular health, promote inflammation, and contribute to the onset of various diseases.
Rancidity in oils primarily arises from exposure to oxygen, heat, light, and moisture. When oils come into contact with these elements, they undergo a process known as oxidation, leading to the breakdown of their molecular structure. Oxygen molecules react with the unsaturated fatty acids present in the oils, resulting in the formation of free radicals and peroxides. These reactive compounds not only impart an unpleasant taste and odor to the oils but also contribute to the degradation of their nutritional value.
THE INSTANCE OF 'EXTRA VIRGIN' OLIVE OIL
According to the reputable institution UC Davis, an alarming 70% of olive oils found on the shelves of American retailers are inaccurately labeled as extra virgin grade, exhibiting defects or adulteration in some form. The notion of extra virgin olive oil being considered a premium product prompts us to question the methods by which companies obtain this distinction. Is it truly earned, or is it merely a marketing ploy and yet another manifestation of greenwashing?
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING AN OIL OR OIL BASED PRODUCT
(i.e. cooking oil, skincare, supplements)
1. Non-Transparent Glass- Clear glass or plastic containers can cause oils and products to become rancid. At Fe, we exclusively use MIRON or biophotonic glass, which has been proven to filter the sun's rays perfectly. Clear, amber, and green glass allow all the rays through, including those that can damage your product. On the other hand, black or very dark glass allows none of the rays to pass through, even the ones that are beneficial for your product.
2. Harvest Date- Determining the freshness, age, and life-force contained in your product.
3. Time from Harvest to Crush- The freshness of the harvested bounty directly correlates with the nourishing benefits of the oil.
4. Cleanliness- Ensuring that the equipment used is free from contamination or toxic minerals, often originating from oil presses themselves, which could end up in the final product.
5. Storage Conditions- Throughout the entire process, including cultivation, harvest, processing, storage, transportation, and shelf life, it is crucial to protect the product from high heat, light, and oxygen exposure.
6. Source, Single Origin- When possible, seek products with a single-source indication or certification. Products without clear single-source information may be a mixture of various oils, often old.
7. Avoid PUFAs- Look for predominantly monounsaturated fatty acids, which are more stable and less prone to oxidation.
THE FE DIFFERENCE: FRESHNESS
At Fe, one of our passions is perfecting our process and carefully selecting the sources for our ingredients. We prioritize working with local farms and single-source origins to ensure the utmost purity and effectiveness of our products. Unlike simply relying on brokers like Mountain Rose Herbs, we go the extra mile to find the true source of each ingredient.
Let's dive into the carrier oils used in BEING, our everyday skin ritual:
1. Jojoba Oil- We source our Jojoba Oil from a family farm in the Senoran desert. Founded in the late 1980s, this farm was established with the purpose of reducing the demand for sperm whale products in the cosmetics industry. The unique climate in this region allows for the cultivation of jojoba plants, and in the early 2000s, they successfully began producing jojoba oil as a natural solution for skincare.
2. Olive Oil- Our Olive Oil comes from a single source, a family farm in Greece with a superior processes ensuring the freshness of the cold-pressed, all-natural olive oil that is rich in polyphenols. These organic compounds are responsible for the health properties found in olives.
3. Baobab Seed Oil- Locally known as the Tree of Life, our Baobab Seed Oil is processed in Senegal. The oil is extracted from baobab seeds harvested in this region. The processing plant holds Social Responsibility Certification by the Swiss IMO (Institute for Marketecology). Total traceability is maintained from the harvest to the finished bulk products. Moreover, this project has a significant positive impact, with 70% of the production staff and 90% of the farmers being women among the 2,000-2,500 employees.
4. Marula Oil- Our Marula Oil is sourced from organic, unrefined kernels found inside the hard nuts of Sclerocarya birrea trees. These trees grow in the northern regions of Namibia. To support local communities, our supplier employs and trains groups of rural women who are responsible for wild harvesting the kernels. This project provides these women with essential outside income, empowering them and contributing to the thriving of their communities. Additionally, our supplier has initiated a Marula Tree Planting Project to ensure continuous replanting for the future benefit of people and the environment, thereby reducing our carbon footprint.
5. Black Castor Oil- Our Black Castor Oil is handcrafted and undiluted, sourced directly from a family farm in Jamaica. It is produced using the traditional handcrafted process, without the addition of salt, preservatives, or hexane.
At Fe, we are committed to providing you with the freshest, highest-quality ingredients in our products. By prioritizing local farms and single-source origins, we strive to deliver the utmost purity, efficacy, and social responsibility in each bottle.
