“99% of the population doesn’t get enough omega-3 for optimal health.” -Udo Erasmus
I first learned about Udo Erasmus in 2004, shortly after my colon cancer diagnosis, and I’ve followed his work ever since.
Udo is a pioneer in the health and wellness world and one of the foremost experts on healthy fats and oils. He has been researching this subject for more than 40 years, long before seed oils became a controversial topic.
His journey started in 1980 after he was poisoned by pesticide exposure. When his doctor told him there was nothing she could do to help him, Udo realized he had to take his health into his own hands.
That experience sent him deep into the scientific literature on nutrition, focusing on essential nutrients and fats. What he learned changed the course of his life.
Udo went on to develop a better way to produce healthy oils while protecting them from light, oxygen, and heat. He co-founded Udo’s Choice in 1994 and wrote the bestselling book Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill. His newest book is Your Body Needs an Oil Change.
I’ve wanted to interview Udo for years, and with so much misinformation being spread about seed oils, the timing couldn’t be better.
You’ve probably heard that seed oils are toxic and ruining everyone’s health, that omega-6 fats cause inflammation, and that butter, tallow, and other saturated fats are healthier.
But is that really true?
Udo explains how omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential for health, the best sources, and why the right balance matters. We also cover processed seed oils, olive oil, fish oil, coconut oil, MCT oil, fried foods, and a lot more.
At 84 years old, Udo is sharp, energetic, and still passionate about a subject he’s studied for decades.
If you’re confused about all the conflicting claims about seed oils, fish oil, omega-3s, and healthy fats, you’ll want to hear what Udo has to say.
This was a fascinating conversation and a special one for me personally. Enjoy!
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Watch our interview below, or listen to it on the Chris Beat Cancer podcast on iTunes or Spotify.
Show Notes
-How pesticide poisoning changed Udo’s life [2:51]
-The essential nutrients your body needs [6:55]
-Udo’s surprising take on cholesterol, fiber, and stress [9:58]
-Udo’s journey into fat research [12:38]
-How industrial processing damages oils [13:53]
-Are seed oils really bad for you? [26:25]
-The healthiest fats to eat [29:36]
-Why omega-3 to omega-6 ratio matters [32:55]
-Are EPA and DHA essential? [35:03]
-Udo’s concerns about fish oil supplements [38:01]
-Fish, algae oil, and krill oil for omega-3s [42:51]
-Omega-3s, omega-6s, and brain health [46:13]
-The carb addiction cycle [53:53]
-The worst way to consume oils [57:41]
-Udo’s mostly raw, plant-based diet [1:03:20]
-Udo’s favorite nuts and seeds [1:06:22]
-Udo’s take on olive oil, coconut oil, MCT oil, and keto diets [1:10:06]
-Lithium and brain health [1:16:02]
Connect with Udo:
Facebook: Udo Erasmus
Instagram: @udoerasmus
Udo’s Books:
Your Body Needs an Oil Change
Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill
Related interview:
Dr. Matthew Nagra: the truth about plant-based protein, seed oils, paleo diets, the food pyramid, and more
I created a coaching program and a private online support community to help you survive and thrive through cancer. The SQUARE ONE Program contains the step-by-step strategies used by myself and many others who have healed cancer with a holistic approach using evidence-based nutrition and natural non-toxic therapies.
This Post Has 16 Comments
Really great interview!
I really thought you might bring up the hexane issue regarding the extraction of seed oils???????
I read Udo’s book years ago, it was great. I really wish he would have talked about Omega 7s.
I just finished watching this long video and was excited to purchase Udo’s Oil, but noticed that soy lecithin was included. Anyone with autoimmunities cannot have soy so this is a huge letdown. If you ever change formulation to not including any Soy, I would purchase your oil blend but for now I will sadly have to refrain.
I have autoimmune disease and breast cancer, and I take organic soy and am doing great right now, but I am indeed ~90% vegan.
Wow! Enjoying this so much. This fellow Udo is great!!!! Thanks! I will be replaying this often. :)
Interesting and glad he recovered his health, but I’m more confused now. The more time passes, the less “healthy” everything seems to be, leaving not much to eat or drink! Thanks
Wonderful interview! It is timely. Thank you very much. May Chou
I feel like Maida, above! I need to listen again and again and/or read his books. But at 87, maybe there’s no point! Even Udo is not going to live “forever.”
I used to take the capsules, but not only can’t I find them any longer, but they contain bovine gelatin – not vegetarian or animal friendly. Oh well…
Awesome interview!!
Enjoyed this talk / could you send the recipe he talked about that he adds spices and herbs to make a salad dressing
Hi Chris , thank you for this interview , I listen to it for the 3rd time today . Also now I’m reading the transcripts, I think I’m gettin it pretty clear.
As always nature provides all the elements to heal and strive , but looks like we are derailed from that train track on purpose .
Thank you once more
Great interview and very in lightening. I will buy Udo oil.
What about chia seeds as your omega 3 source? Aren’t they as effective as glass with no
Need to grind? Did he not mention then for a particular reason?
Sorry it should say flax not glass