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The Hidden Dangers of Soybean Oil

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If you read the ingredients labels, you’ll have noticed soybean oil is hiding everywhere. Sometimes, you might even see it in a “partially hydrogenated” form, or listed as “may contain canola oil and/ or soybean oil” – as if it’s of no importance what you’re actually consuming. I’ve written before about the problem with soy, but soybean oil is another level.

Soybean oil is high in linoleic acid, as the fatty acid break-down of soybean oil is highly skewed towards PUFA’s (poly-unsaturated fatty acids) – not a healthy ratio and unstable at high heats. On top of this it is commonly genetically modified and highly processed. In other words to be avoided.

soybean oil hiding ingredients vegetable PUFA fat paleo diet canola

The problem is soybean oil is everywhere – and for some reason I’ve noticed it in far more foods in Australia that I did living in the UK. For example, the exact same product, Heinz Salad Cream contains Soybean oil in Australia – and not in the UK version:

Australian Heinz Salad Cream Ingredients:

Soya Bean Oil [Protected with Antioxidant (319)], White Vinegar, Sugar, Egg Yolk, Salt, Mustard, Food Acid (270), Stabiliser (412), Colours (171, 101), Herb Extract.

UK Heinz Salad Cream Ingredients:

Spirit Vinegar, Rapeseed Oil (25%), Water, Sugar, Mustard, Pasteurised Egg Yolks (3%), Modified Cornflour, Salt, Stabilisers – Guar Gum and Xanthan Gum, Colour – Riboflavin.

OK so neither have good ingredients, but it’s interesting how they are so different between the two countries. So different that they’re a completely different product. My salad cream tip? Avoid Heinz and make your own easy paleo mayonnaise.

Where else is Soybean oil hiding?

I’ve also seen it in:

  • Vinaigrettes/ salad dressings
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sauces
  • Hummus
  • Crackers

Some brands such as Paul Newman’s seem to use Soybean oil across almost all of their products.
If you’re committed to a Paleo lifestyle, learning how to spot harmful ingredients is an essential part of protecting your health. Soybean oil in particular is an ingredient to keep an eye out for, as it can be surprisingly sneaky in its appearances.

The rise of soybean oil in Australian products

Soybean oil has become the oil of choice for many manufacturers in Australia, thanks to its low cost and long shelf life. However, unlike natural fats from animals or fruits, soybean oil undergoes extensive processing. It’s often extracted using chemical solvents such as hexane, then refined, bleached, and deodorised — none of which are steps you’d consider remotely natural.

Even worse, much of the soybean oil used in food products is derived from genetically modified soybeans. In Australia, GM labelling is not required if the altered genetic material is no longer detectable in the final product — which means oils are often unlabelled despite their GM origin.

Health impacts of excess linoleic acid

The high concentration of linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) in soybean oil may cause imbalances in the body. While omega-6 is essential in small amounts, modern diets tend to be disproportionately rich in it, especially when consuming processed foods. This imbalance can contribute to inflammation, oxidative stress, and even chronic conditions like obesity and metabolic syndrome.

In traditional Paleo eating, we aim to mimic the ancestral ratio of omega-3 to omega-6, which is estimated to be close to 1:1. Modern Western diets, however, often have ratios of 20:1 or more — largely due to industrial seed oils like soybean oil.

Misleading labelling and deceptive marketing

One of the most frustrating aspects of avoiding soybean oil is how often it is disguised on labels. You’ll see terms like “vegetable oil,” “blended oils,” or even “natural oil blend,” all of which could mean soybean oil. Sometimes it’s listed as “may contain canola and/or soybean oil,” offering no clarity on what’s actually in the product.

Manufacturers are allowed to get away with these vague descriptions because the law permits grouped labelling for similar ingredients. This might make life easier for the manufacturer, but it leaves consumers completely in the dark.

Homemade alternatives for Paleo peace of mind

One of the best things you can do is take control of your ingredients and make your own staples. Not only do you avoid hidden seed oils, but you also cut out other nasties like preservatives, gums, and thickeners.

Here are a few easy swaps:

  • Mayonnaise: Use free-range eggs, olive oil or macadamia oil, lemon juice, and mustard powder. You can make a fresh batch in under 5 minutes with a stick blender.
  • Salad dressing: Combine extra virgin olive oil with apple cider vinegar, a touch of mustard, herbs, and garlic for a zesty dressing that’s free from seed oils.
  • Hummus-style dip: Try using zucchini or cauliflower in place of chickpeas, and blend with tahini, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.

Fast food and takeaway traps

Eating out or grabbing takeaway is often a minefield when it comes to hidden seed oils. From salad dressings to grilled meats and even scrambled eggs, soybean oil is frequently used behind the scenes.

When dining out, don’t be afraid to ask questions:

  • What oil is used for cooking or dressings?
  • Can you have your food prepared in butter, olive oil, or without added fats?

The more people ask, the more awareness spreads — and restaurants are more likely to offer alternatives when they realise customers care.

Is organic any safer?

Many people assume that organic automatically means better. While this is true in many respects, organic soybean oil is still soybean oil. It’s still rich in omega-6, and it’s still processed. The only difference is that the soybeans were not sprayed with synthetic pesticides or grown from GM seeds.

For optimal health, even organic seed oils should be avoided on a Paleo diet.

Other names soybean oil may appear under

It’s worth noting that soybean oil may appear under different aliases depending on the product and manufacturer. Keep your eyes peeled for these alternatives:

  • Vegetable oil (unless otherwise specified)
  • Lecithin (typically used as an emulsifier)
  • Hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated soybean oil
  • Glycine max oil (the Latin name for soybean)

Reading labels carefully and understanding ingredient aliases is one of the most powerful tools you have when shopping.

The bottom line: empower your food choices

Avoiding soybean oil isn’t about perfection — it’s about awareness and making informed choices. When you take the time to read ingredient labels, understand the implications of different oils, and make your own staples at home, you reclaim control over your health and wellbeing.

Every time you choose a better alternative, you cast a vote for a different kind of food industry — one that values real ingredients, transparency, and nourishment.

Have you spotted soybean oil in any surprising places? What changes have you made to eliminate it from your pantry? I’d love to hear your thoughts and discoveries in the comments below.

So the moral of the story is – check the ingredients carefully – and if you can’t find a good version – make your own!

Paleo Diet Primal Are You Eating GMO's genetically modified organisms Monsanto Australia-min

Are You Eating GMO’s?

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What are GMO products?

They are foods that are made from genetically modified organisms, specifically genetically modified (GMO) crops. It first began in 1994 when a tomato was produced with an alteration that prevented it from ripening quickly.

What are the concerns with altering the natural growing process?

The first concern is not just what it necessarily does to your body, but what it can do to the entire crop that is being altered. If one of the plants is effected by a virus, then modifying the plant can spread the disease to the rest of crops. On a large scale this could be devastating not only for the farmer who is harvesting the crops, but it can be devastating on a larger scale.

Another genetic alteration that chemists and farmers make, is to change their crop so that it will stand conventional herbicides and pesticides.
Paleo Diet Primal Are You Eating GMO's genetically modified organisms Monsanto Australia-min
Some countries have raised their awareness of the harmful alterations that have been made to crops that they have banned it. New Zealand doesn’t allow the production of GMO crops. In 2005 Switzerland banned GMO crops and animals, however the ban only lasted 5 years. Australia has not yet banned GMO crops. Countries that have embraced GMO crops are the United States, China, South Africa, Britain, Spain, and Canada. Not only have they embraced the concept of altered foods but they seem to have tried to get the public to support it and see that it is healthy.

An area of big concern is the lax labelling laws in some countries – it’s very probable that you could unwittingly eat GMO’s, where the law does not require them to be labeled as such. Worrying, don’t you think?

What should you do?

The best thing you can do is make sure you pay attention to what you are buying. Read labels, shop at farmers markets. Get to know the farmer who grew your produce. You can even grow your own fruits and vegetables.

Marketing companies are sneaky. Don’t let them convince you that you are purchasing good quality foods that went through a potentially dangerous growing process.

Why GMO Foods Are at Odds with a Paleo Lifestyle

At its core, the Paleo diet is all about getting back to basics — eating food in its most natural, unprocessed form, as our ancestors would have. Genetically modified organisms, by definition, are the result of laboratory interference, not evolution or traditional agricultural practices. This makes GMO foods fundamentally incompatible with the philosophy of Paleo. The aim of Paleo is to nourish the body with foods that work with our biology, not against it. GMOs represent a modern shortcut that often prioritises profit, shelf life and convenience over nutrition and long-term health.

Health Risks: Are GMOs Safe for Humans?

One of the major criticisms of GMOs is the lack of long-term human studies. While many governing bodies claim GMOs are safe, there remains an absence of conclusive evidence to determine what effects, if any, these modified foods might have on human health over decades. Concerns raised by independent researchers include the potential for allergic reactions, antibiotic resistance, and digestive issues, particularly in people who already experience gut sensitivity.

Moreover, many GMO crops are specifically designed to be resistant to chemical herbicides such as glyphosate, a controversial chemical linked to several health concerns. While the crop itself may be modified, the real issue often lies in the pesticide residue that comes with it. With mounting concerns around endocrine disruption and carcinogenic effects, this presents another compelling reason to avoid GMOs wherever possible.

Environmental Impact of GMO Agriculture

The problems with GMO farming extend far beyond the plate. Intensive GMO agriculture often leads to monocultures — large-scale plantations of a single genetically identical crop. This reduces biodiversity, makes the entire crop more vulnerable to pests and disease, and forces farmers to become increasingly reliant on synthetic fertilisers and chemicals.

In addition, the use of herbicide-resistant crops has led to a dramatic increase in herbicide use, contributing to environmental degradation. These chemicals can contaminate soil, waterways and harm beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies. Over time, this results in an ecosystem imbalance that has far-reaching consequences beyond a single season’s yield.

The Patent Problem: Corporate Control of the Food Chain

Another concern surrounding GMOs is the issue of intellectual property. Many GMO seeds are patented by large biotech corporations, meaning farmers are not allowed to save seeds for the next growing season. Instead, they must buy new seeds each year, creating a dependency on multinational corporations. This dynamic threatens traditional farming practices and food sovereignty, particularly for smallholder farmers trying to maintain sustainable, independent operations.

This corporate control extends into lobbying and influence over labelling laws, research funding and public education campaigns. It’s important to question the motivations behind GMO promotion when so much of it is driven by profit rather than public health.

How to Avoid GMOs on a Paleo Diet

Fortunately, there are practical ways to minimise or avoid GMOs while still enjoying a varied and nutrient-rich Paleo diet:

  • Buy certified organic: In many countries, certified organic standards prohibit the use of GMO seeds or ingredients. While not all organic food is perfect, it’s a reliable starting point for avoiding genetic modification.
  • Shop local: Farmers markets and community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs often involve smaller-scale farmers who don’t use GMOs. Talk to your farmer and ask about their growing methods.
  • Grow your own: Even a small garden can give you control over what goes into your food. Choose heirloom or open-pollinated seeds, which are not genetically modified.
  • Read labels carefully: Look out for common GMO crops like soy, corn, canola and sugar beet, especially in processed foods. If you see these ingredients and they’re not marked organic or non-GMO, they are likely to be genetically modified.

Hidden GMO Ingredients to Watch Out For

While whole GMO foods are easy to spot (think corn and soy), it’s the hidden ingredients in processed items that often trip people up. Many packaged foods contain derivatives from GMO crops, such as:

  • High fructose corn syrup
  • Soy lecithin
  • Canola oil
  • Citric acid (often derived from corn)
  • Monosodium glutamate (MSG)

These ingredients show up in everything from salad dressings and protein bars to non-dairy milk and sauces. Even supplements and medications can contain GMO-derived fillers. Staying Paleo helps you naturally avoid these additives by focusing on whole, unprocessed foods — but it’s still important to double-check anything that comes in a package.

The Labelling Debate: Transparency or Obfuscation?

In some countries, such as Australia, GMO labelling laws are inconsistent or weakly enforced. Products containing genetically modified ingredients might not be clearly labelled, leaving consumers in the dark. This lack of transparency erodes consumer trust and makes it difficult to make informed food choices.

There has been a strong push from consumer advocacy groups around the world to implement stricter labelling requirements. Until legislation catches up, the best defence is personal education. Get familiar with the most commonly modified crops in your region, research your favourite brands, and support businesses committed to clean, transparent practices.

Final Reflections on GMOs and Your Paleo Lifestyle

Ultimately, the choice to avoid GMOs aligns with the deeper goals of a Paleo lifestyle — nourishing your body with food that supports long-term health, while respecting nature’s rhythms and integrity. Whether your focus is gut health, fertility, autoimmune conditions or simply energy and wellbeing, steering clear of GMOs helps you keep your food as close to its original, intended form as possible.

As with many aspects of health, awareness is the first step. You don’t need to be perfect or paranoid, but the more you learn, the more empowered your choices will become. Choosing real, whole, unmodified foods may take a bit more effort at first — but the long-term rewards for your health, the environment and food independence are well worth it.

Are GMO foods allowed where you are? I’d love to hear your views on GMO’s, in the comments, below.