The 1980s Health Shift: How Fats, Oils, and Sweeteners Changed Everything
Ever wondered why health problems like obesity, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s have become so widespread? Well, a lot of it can be traced back to major changes that started in 1980. What seemed like good health advice at the time actually set the stage for many of the health issues we’re dealing with today. But don't worry—there’s plenty we can do to turn things around. Let’s break it all down!
1. The Low-Fat Diet Craze: What Went Wrong?
In 1980, we were told to cut back on fats and eat more carbs for better health. It sounded like a great idea to help reduce heart disease, but it had some unexpected side effects. As we reduced fats, food companies started adding sugars and processed carbs to replace the flavor, which led to a huge rise in obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The “healthy” foods we were told to eat actually made things worse.
The truth is, healthy fats are incredibly important for your body. They support brain health, hormone production, and help your cells stay strong. Healthy fats also help your body absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are key for your immune system and overall health.
2. Artificial Sweeteners: Not as Sweet as They Seem
In the 1980s, artificial sweeteners like aspartame became widely popular as a sugar substitute. They were marketed as a healthier alternative, but studies have shown that these sweeteners can disrupt your metabolism and may even contribute to weight gain. The problem with sweeteners like aspartame is that they can also make you crave more sugary foods, so they often don’t help with weight loss.
What should you use instead? Consider stevia, monk fruit, or raw honey. These natural sweeteners don’t spike your blood sugar the way regular sugar or artificial sweeteners do, and they have fewer side effects. Plus, they’re packed with nutrients, especially raw honey, which is loaded with antioxidants.
3. Oils: What’s Safe to Cook With?
In the 1980s, canola oil and soybean oil became the go-to oils for cooking. These oils were marketed as heart-healthy options, but we now know they’re not as good for us as we once thought. These oils are full of omega-6 fatty acids, which, when consumed in excess, can lead to inflammation and a higher risk of heart disease, arthritis, and other chronic conditions.
So what should you use instead? Olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil are great options. These oils are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can boost your heart health and give you long-lasting energy.
What about tallow? It’s a wonderful option too! Tallow (which comes from beef or sheep fat) has a high smoke point, making it perfect for frying and cooking at high temperatures. Unlike vegetable oils, tallow is rich in saturated fats, which are important for energy, brain function, and hormone regulation. Don’t be afraid to use tallow—it’s a natural fat that’s great for your health!
4. Canola Oil: From Cars to Kitchens
You might not know this, but canola oil wasn’t always meant for cooking. It was originally developed as a lubricant for the car industry. It only became popular as a cooking oil after it was marketed as a healthier option, but it’s packed with omega-6 fatty acids. These omega-6 fats, when consumed in excess, can cause inflammation and disrupt the balance your body needs for optimal health.
5. Omega-6 Fatty Acids: The Trouble with Too Much
So, why are omega-6 fatty acids bad? Your body needs a balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fats. Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory and protect your heart, while omega-6s can trigger inflammation when consumed in excess. Our modern diets, filled with processed foods and oils like canola and soybean, are overloaded with omega-6s. Too much inflammation can lead to heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and even cancer.
The key to a healthy diet is balance. You still need omega-6s, but you should aim for a healthier ratio by eating more foods rich in omega-3s, like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts.
6. The Importance of Healthy Fats in Your Diet
Healthy fats aren’t the enemy—they’re essential for your body’s overall function. Here’s why:
Brain Health: Your brain is made up of 60% fat, and it relies on healthy fats for memory, focus, and overall cognitive function.
Hormone Production: Healthy fats are crucial for producing hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol (your stress hormone).
Cell Health: Every cell in your body has a fat-based membrane. Healthy fats help keep your cells strong and efficient.
Absorption of Nutrients: Fats help your body absorb essential vitamins, which are vital for your immune system and general well-being.
7. What About Sugar?
We’ve talked a lot about fats, but let’s not forget about sugar. When it comes to sweeteners, you should focus on natural alternatives like raw sugar, stevia, monk fruit, and raw honey. Raw sugar, in its unrefined form, still contains some minerals like calcium and iron, which makes it a better option than the heavily refined sugar you find in most processed foods.
However, even with these natural sweeteners, you want to be mindful of your intake. Too much sugar—whether it’s from honey, raw sugar, or fruit—can still cause blood sugar spikes and contribute to weight gain and inflammation.
What Can You Do?
So, what can you do with all this info? Here’s a simple plan:
Switch to healthy fats like olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, and tallow for cooking.
Use natural sweeteners like raw honey, stevia, monk fruit, or raw sugar instead of artificial sweeteners or refined sugar.
Reduce omega-6 oils like canola and soybean oil in your diet, and add more omega-3-rich foods like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts.
Be mindful of sugar—even natural sweeteners should be used in moderation.
By making these small changes, you can improve your overall health, reduce inflammation, and feel better every day!
What About You?
Have you made any changes to the oils or sweeteners you use? What’s your favorite healthy fat to cook with? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re making your diet healthier!
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Deaths: Final Data for 2017." National Vital Statistics Reports.
"Diseases of Civilization: Are Seed Oil Excesses the Unifying Mechanism?" YouTube (Dr. Chris Knobbe, 2021).
