Another Sneaky Poison: What Else Is Hiding in “Healthy” Foods?

Once I opened the door to seed oils, I couldn’t unsee them on every label. It’s shocking when you realize what we’re unknowingly consuming. As kids, we’re taught that eating poison is dangerous—so why are we doing it now? Simple: because we don’t know. I didn’t either, until I started digging deeper. Now that I do, I can’t sit back and watch people unknowingly harm themselves.

I’m here to share what I’ve learned because you deserve to know what’s really in your food. Once you have the information, what you choose to eat is up to you—but at least you’ll be making informed decisions. I want you to feel your best, take control of your health, and stop being misled by labels designed to hide harmful ingredients.

Is Your “Healthy” Protein Shake Really Healthy?

So, you’re on a mission to eat better—great! You start your day with a protein shake, thinking you’re making a smart choice. But did you know your so-called “health” drink might be hiding seed oils? Neither did I! I took a closer look at my Muscle Milk and… cue the freakout.

I tossed it and began the hunt for a seed oil-free option. I found one, but if it’s terrible, I’ll keep searching.

Protein powder—the so-called health halo of fitness enthusiasts—often isn’t as clean as you think. Even the brands that brag about being “healthy” can sneak in these inflammatory oils. Who knew your go-to shake could be hiding such toxic surprises?

Why Would Seed Oils Be in Protein Powder?

It’s not what you’d expect, right? But food manufacturers love these cheap fillers. Seed oils get mixed in for a few reasons:

1. Texture and Mouthfeel: Many plant-based proteins are gritty. Oils make them smoother.

2. Binding Agents: For protein bars, oils help hold everything together.

3. Cost: Oils like canola and soybean are dirt-cheap, making them ideal for bulking up products without breaking the budget.

Which Seed Oils Are the Culprits?

Check your labels! You’ll often see these lurking in protein blends:

• Sunflower Oil

• Canola Oil

• Soybean Oil

• Corn Oil

• Safflower Oil

They can also be disguised under vague terms like “vegetable oil” or hidden in “natural flavor blends.”

How to Spot These Sneaky Oils

Ignore the flashy claims on the front of the package—“High Protein! Low Sugar! Clean Ingredients!” Instead, flip to the back and comb through the ingredient list. Look out for anything with “oil” in the name and watch for lecithin (often from soy or sunflower), which usually signals the presence of seed oils.

Why Does It Matter?

Seed oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids. When your omega-6s are out of balance with omega-3s, it can promote inflammation, contributing to issues like acne, obesity, and even heart disease over time. So if you think your protein shake is a health boost, check again—it might be doing more harm than good.

But It Gets Worse… Let’s Talk About Erythritol

As I kept digging, I found yet another sneaky ingredient: erythritol. It’s not a seed oil, but it’s still a lab-made chemical disguised as a “healthy” sweetener. Erythritol, a sugar alcohol, is used in a ton of “sugar-free” or “no added sugar” products because it provides sweetness without calories or blood sugar spikes. But just like seed oils, it has its own set of issues.

Where Erythritol Hides

• Baked goods

• Keto-friendly snacks

• Chewing gums

• Sugar-free candies

• Low-carb ice creams

• “Natural” sweetener blends (often mixed with monk fruit, stevia, or xylitol)

It’s also hidden under broad terms like “sugar alcohol blend” or “reduced-calorie sweetener”. So, even if you don’t see “erythritol” explicitly listed, keep an eye out for its aliases!

Why Should You Care?

For some people, erythritol can cause digestive upset like bloating or gas. And while it’s marketed as a safe sugar alternative, studies are still mixed about its long-term impact on gut health.

Stay Vigilant: The Road to a Healthy Gut Is Possible!

The more you know, the more empowered you are to make better choices for your health. Read labels, stay informed, and don’t let sneaky ingredients keep you in the dark. It’s your body—protect it by turning on the light!