X @Nick Szabo

Historical Context & Product Evolution - Cottonseed oil, initially considered toxic waste from textile mills in the 1860s, was repurposed from lamp oil, soap, and machine lubricant [1] - In 1911, Procter & Gamble (P&G) patented hydrogenation, transforming liquid cottonseed oil into a solid product named Crisco [1] - By the 2020s, research indicated that seed oils are highly inflammatory, oxidize during cooking, disrupt metabolism, and damage mitochondria [2] Marketing & Industry Influence - P&G donated $1.7 million (equivalent to $20 million today) to the American Heart Association (AHA) in 1948, significantly boosting the AHA's budget and influence [2] - In 1961, the AHA released dietary recommendations promoting seed oils manufactured by P&G while discouraging competing oils [2] - By 1980, governmental dietary guidelines recommended reducing saturated fat, effectively promoting the consumption of previously considered industrial waste [2] Health Implications & Consequences - From 1980 to 2025+, the consumption of seed oils is suggested to have contributed to diseases it was initially intended to prevent [3] - The report suggests that marketing transformed a toxic substance into a perceived medicine, leading to adverse health consequences [3]