Last fall, I found myself immersed in a world that many might overlook — the New York State Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, the largest gathering of its kind in the country. If you’ve never been, picture a kaleidoscope of colors, textures, and crafts, all centered around the humble wool fiber that so faithfully guards us against winter’s chill.
Walking through the festival, it was impossible not to get lost in the vibrant sea of yarns, ranging from soft alpaca to rugged sheep wool, spun and dyed into every imaginable shade. Everywhere, artisans were at work: spinners turning raw fleece into threads, weavers creating intricate patterns, and knitters crafting beautiful, warm garments that you could...
Seed oils have found themselves at the center of a nutritional storm.
From political figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to countless wellness influencers, there’s a rising tide of criticism against common cooking oils such as canola, soybean, and sunflower oil. Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” campaign even hawks merchandise stamped with slogans like “Make Frying Oil Tallow Again”, echoing the nostalgic days of beef fat sizzling in cast-iron pans.
But is this backlash backed by science—or are we oversimplifying a complex dietary issue?
What Are Seed Oils, Really?
Often grouped under the misleading label of “vegetable oils,” seed oils are extracted from the seeds of various plants. These include what some call the “hateful eight”:Canola, corn, soybean, cottonseed,...