Meal Delivery Services Exposed

Are You Eating the Oils That Cause Inflammation?

Prepared Meal Delivery Services can make or break your diet and healthy eating habits. At Pure Plates, we aim to take the hassle, planning, and time out of food delivery by replacing all of that with healthy meals that are as nutritious as they are delicious.

That being said, not all prepared meal delivery services that market themselves as ‘healthy’ are actually healthy. This truly is a case of “buyer, beware.”

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The Hidden Truth About Oils in Prepared Meal Delivery Services

The reality is that many prepared meal delivery services use ingredients that may not align with an anti-inflammatory diet or your health goals. One major area of concern? The oils they use. Cheaper oils like canola, soybean, sunflower, corn, and even olive pomace oil are widely used in the industry to cut costs, even by companies that advertise themselves as offering “healthy meals.” (Pure Plates Blog)

The truth about oils in prepared meal delivery services is that the type of oil matters. Certain oils, such as those mentioned above, are linked to inflammatory ingredients in processed food and can undermine your overall nutrition. (Healthline) If you’re serious about health-conscious meal choices, it’s critical to understand what oils your meal provider uses.

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The Health Impact of Inflammation

Chronic inflammation caused by consuming unhealthy oils doesn’t just cause temporary discomfort—it can have both short-term and long-term health consequences. (Cleveland Clinic)

Short-Term Effects of Inflammation

• Digestive Issues: Inflammation can disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to bloating, discomfort, and irregular digestion. (Medical News Today)
• Fatigue: Persistent inflammation may leave you feeling tired or sluggish, even with adequate rest.
• Skin Problems: Inflammatory responses can trigger acne, rashes, or other skin irritations.

Long-Term Effects of Inflammation

• Heart Disease: Chronic inflammation can damage blood vessels and contribute to conditions like atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health)
• Cancer: Inflammation creates an environment where abnormal cells can grow and proliferate, raising the risk of certain cancers.
• Metabolic Syndrome: This includes conditions like obesity, insulin resistance, and Type 2 diabetes, all of which are linked to long-term inflammation. (NIH)
• Joint Pain: Inflammation in the joints can lead to arthritis and chronic pain.
• Neurodegenerative Diseases: Research has linked inflammation to cognitive decline and diseases like Alzheimer’s. (PubMed)

By consuming oils like canola, soybean, sunflower, and corn, which are high in omega-6 fatty acids and prone to oxidation, you may unknowingly be contributing to chronic inflammation and putting your health at risk. (Healthline)

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Why These Oils Are a Problem

Canola Oil

Marketed as a "healthy fat," canola oil is often highly processed, genetically modified, and loaded with omega-6 fatty acids. Overconsumption of omega-6s can lead to chronic inflammation, which is linked to heart disease and other health issues. (National Library of Medicine)

Soybean Oil

Soybean oil is one of the largest contributors to omega-6 fatty acids in the Western diet. Research has linked high intake to metabolic disruptions, including obesity, insulin resistance, and even neurological conditions. (Healthline)

Sunflower Oil

While less controversial, sunflower oil is unstable when heated, leading to oxidation and the production of harmful free radicals. These compounds can damage cells and contribute to inflammation. (Cleveland Clinic)

Corn Oil

Corn oil is often derived from genetically modified corn and heavily processed to extend its shelf life. Its high polyunsaturated fat content makes it prone to oxidation, especially when used in cooking at high temperatures. (PubMed)

Olive Pomace Oil

While derived from olives, olive pomace oil undergoes heavy processing involving heat and chemical solvents like hexane. This process strips away beneficial nutrients like antioxidants and polyphenols, making it far less healthful than extra virgin olive oil. (Factor FAQ)

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Why Pure Plates is Different

At Pure Plates, we never compromise on your health. That’s why we steer clear of inflammatory oils like canola, soybean, sunflower, and olive pomace oil. Instead, we use clean, nutrient-dense oils like avocado oil, extra virgin olive oil, and organic coconut oil. These oils not only enhance the flavor of our meals but also support your anti-inflammatory dietand promote healthy eating habits. (WebMD)

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The Bottom Line: Don’t Settle for “Good Enough”

Not all prepared meal delivery services are created equal. The oils they use can significantly impact your nutrition and contribute to chronic inflammation. By taking the time to ask direct questions, you can protect yourself from hidden health risks and ensure you’re choosing a service that aligns with your wellness goals.

At Pure Plates, our commitment to excellence ensures every meal delivers on taste, nutrition, and your health goals. If you’re ready to experience the difference, explore our healthy meals today!

Sources and References

1. Pure Plates Blog: "What Are the Safest Cooking Oils for Your Health?"
   Discusses the health impacts of various cooking oils and highlights safer alternatives.

2. Healthline: "What Are Omega-6 Fatty Acids? Their Role in Your Diet Explained"
   Explains the role of omega-6 fatty acids and their connection to inflammation.

3. National Institutes of Health (NIH): "Dietary Fats and Health: Dietary Recommendations in the Context ofScientific Evidence"
   Examines the effects of dietary fats, including omega-6 fatty acids, on health outcomes.

4. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: "Fats and Cholesterol"
   Provides a breakdown of healthy and unhealthy fats, with insights into processed oils.

5. Cleveland Clinic: "What Is Inflammation?"
   Outlines how chronic inflammation affects the body and its connection to diet.

6. Healthline: "Top Foods That Cause Inflammation"
   Discusses foods and ingredients, including oils, that contribute to inflammation.

7. Medical News Today: "What to Know About Chronic Inflammation"
   Explores the long-term health risks associated with chronic inflammation.

8. PubMed: "Impact of Dietary Fat on Inflammation"
   Scientific research on how different types of dietary fats influence inflammation.

9. WebMD: "Coconut Oil: Are There Health Benefits?"
   Highlights the benefits of coconut oil as a cooking oil.

10. National Library of Medicine: "The Health Effects of Consuming Olive Oil"
    Discusses the benefits of olive oil compared to processed oils.

11. Factor75 FAQ: "What Ingredients Are Used in Factor Meals?"
    Details the ingredients and oils used in Factor’s prepared meal delivery service, including the use of olive pomace oil.