The Proof with Simon Hill

• Seed Oils: Dangerous or Misunderstood? Bill Harris, PhD on the Truth About Omega-6 fats

  Are seed oils actually harmful? Or is this just another wellness myth gone viral? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Bill Harris - leading expert on dietary fats - to unpack the science on linoleic acid, an omega-6 fat found in nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. We explore the rise of seed oil fear-mongering, the truth about inflammation, cholesterol, oxidation, and why outcome data—not mechanisms—should guide our thinking. Omega-6 Fats and Health Overview (00:00) Why the Review Was Updated (01:22) What Is Linoleic Acid? (06:47) Linoleic Intake Over Time & Health Links (12:45) Research Methods and Key Evidence (16:25) Omega-6 and Inflammation Explained (41:00) Common Myths About Seed Oils (44:37) The Oxidation Concern with Seed Oils (49:20) Omega-6 vs Omega-3: The Real Story (53:39) Blood Sugar, Insulin & Linoleic Acid (01:03:48) Heart Health and Linoleic Benefits (01:05:44) Cancer Risk and Seed Oils (01:13:49) Public Health and Future Research (01:16:55) How to Use Vegetable Oils Wisely (01:25:17) Wrap-Up and Takeaway Advice (01:32:22) If you’ve been confused by the seed oil debate, this one’s for you. Visit The Proof website for the full show notes and supporting studies. Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also support the show by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and sharing your favourite episodes with friends and family. This episode is brought to you by: 38TERA Consider 38TERA's DMN-01 prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout. Function Health Track, optimise, and thrive with Function Health. Access 100+ lab tests – five times more than a typical physical – including ApoB and LP(a), no doctor approval needed. Get science-backed insights and track your results over time. Skip the 400,000-person waitlist at functionhealth.com/simonhill. Only available to those living in the United States. Eight Sleep Upgrade your sleep with the Pod 4 Ultra by Eight Sleep. Clinically validated to deliver up to 1 extra hour of quality sleep per night through temperature control and biometric tracking. Use code THEPROOF for $350 off at eightsleep.com/theproof. Try it risk-free for 30 days, with worldwide shipping. Eimele Eimele Essential 8 is a comprehensive multivitamin that is scientifically formulated to complement your plant-rich diet, increase and sustain your energy, and support the immune system, as well as heart and brain health. Head to [Eimele.com](https://eimele.com/essential-8/15660280.html.) and use code SIMON at checkout for 10% off your first order. WHOOP Whoop, the most advanced fitness and health wearable available. Your personalised fitness and health coach to recover faster, sleep better, and train smarter. Claim your first month free on join.whoop.com/simon. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) • Creator of theproof.com • Host of The Proof with Simon Hill • Author of The Proof is in the Plants Subscribe & Connect: • YouTube • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Instagram: @simonhill • Twitter: @theproof • Facebook: The Proof with Simon Hill Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide and download my Two-Week Meal Plan.

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  1:40:01
• Wellness Scams, Apple Cider Vinegar & Seed Oil Hypocrisy | Drew Harrisberg, Bsc

  In today’s episode, I’m joined by Drew Harrisberg, an exercise physiologist, diabetes educator, and founder of Drew’s Daily Dose. We dive into the science behind Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)—does it actually help with blood sugar, weight loss, digestion, and overall health, or is it just another overhyped wellness trend? We also explore the power of anecdotes in the wellness industry, starting with Belle Gibson’s story and the new Netflix series on ACV. How can we separate fact from fiction when faced with bold health claims on social media? What we cover: • ACV and blood sugar – does it really help? • ACV and weight loss – what does the science say? • ACV vs. other blood sugar strategies (walking, fiber, etc.) • Potential downsides – acid, teeth damage, capsules, and more • How to take ACV without ruining your teeth • Should Simon take Bragg’s ACV as a sponsor? Ethics of podcast ads Later, Drew shares a moving tribute to his dog, Dennis, reflecting on grief, love, and celebrating life. We also talk about memory dividends and why showing up for the people (and pets) we love matters. We wrap up with a shocking magic trick, plenty of laughs, and a classic dad joke. Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also support the show by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and sharing your favourite episodes with friends and family. This episode is brought to you by: 38TERA Consider 38TERA's DMN prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout. Momentous My go-to supplement brand for protein and creatine is Momentous. Get 20% off your first purchase by using the code LIVINGPROOF at checkout at livemomentous.com Birch Sleep deeply and wake up refreshed with a Birch Natural Mattress, combining premium natural materials with unbeatable comfort. Rest easy with a 100-night trial and 25-year warranty. Get 20% off sitewide and 2 free Eco-Rest Pillows at birchliving.com/simonhill. Eimele Eimele Essential 8 is a comprehensive multivitamin that is scientifically formulated to complement your plant-rich diet, increase and sustain your energy, and support the immune system, as well as heart and brain health. Follow [this link](https://eimele.com/essential-8/15660280.html.) for 20% off one-time purchases and subscriptions. WHOOP Whoop, the most advanced fitness and health wearable available. Your personalised fitness and health coach to recover faster, sleep better, and train smarter. Claim your first month free on join.whoop.com/simon. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) • Creator of theproof.com • Host of The Proof with Simon Hill • Author of The Proof is in the Plants Subscribe & Connect: • YouTube • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Instagram: @simonhill • Twitter: @theproof • Facebook: The Proof with Simon Hill Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide and download my Two-Week Meal Plan.

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  2:19:43
• Diet myths and tips | Simon Hill interviewed by Doug Bopst

  This episode originally aired on The Adversity Advantage, hosted by Doug Bopst—a personal trainer, author, and former addict who transformed his life through fitness. His podcast dives deep into health, mindset, and resilience to help people unlock their full potential. In our conversation, we break down the science of longevity, nutrition, and optimal health. We discuss the best dietary patterns for longevity, the debate around red meat and seed oils, and why exercise is essential for long-term health. Topics Covered: What does the science say about longevity and diet? Are seed oils really harmful, or is the science misunderstood? The real risks of red meat and saturated fats for long-term health How ultra-processed foods impact metabolic health The importance of protein intake for longevity and muscle preservation Why exercise is just as crucial as diet for healthspan The Living Proof Challenge – a zero-cost 12-week longevity program Join the Living Proof Challenge: theproof.com/livingproof You can connect with Doug through his Podcast Website, where he shares insightful conversations on health, fitness, and personal transformation. Follow him on Instagram for daily inspiration and expert advice, subscribe to his YouTube channel for in-depth discussions and interviews, and stay updated with his latest thoughts on X. Introduction (00:00) Discussing the Best Dietary Patterns for Longevity (00:53) Debating Meat-Based Diets and Long-Term Health (04:33) Health Implications of Red Meat Consumption (09:54) Practical Steps for Improved Health & Longevity (22:50) Understanding Amino Acids and Protein Sources (34:01) The Importance of Exercise for Longevity (34:50) Exercise Protocols for Optimal Health (35:47) Resistance Training and Its Benefits (37:43) Cardio and Resistance Training Balance (41:30) Intermittent Fasting and Meal Timing (52:40) The Role of Light and Circadian Rhythms (56:20) Insights on Longevity and Nutrition (59:47) The Importance of Relationships for Happiness (01:04:01) Conclusion (01:09:17) Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also support the show by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and sharing your favourite episodes with friends and family. This episode is brought to you by: 38TERA Consider 38TERA's DMN-01 prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout. Function Health Track, optimise, and thrive with Function Health. Access 100+ lab tests – five times more than a typical physical – including ApoB and LP(a), no doctor approval needed. Get science-backed insights and track your results over time. Skip the 400,000-person waitlist at functionhealth.com/simonhill. Only available to those living in the United States. Shopify Shopify, the world's leading e-commerce platform, helps you turn browsers into buyers with the internet’s best-converting check out–up to 36% better compared to other leading e-commerce platforms. To boost your conversion rate, and grow your business, sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/proof. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) • Creator of theproof.com • Host of The Proof with Simon Hill • Author of The Proof is in the Plants Subscribe & Connect: • YouTube • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Instagram: @simonhill • Twitter: @theproof • Facebook: The Proof with Simon Hill Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide and download my Two-Week Meal Plan.

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  1:18:06
• Is this supplement legitimate? Science of Fatty15 and C15:0 | Bill Harris, PhD

  You may have heard claims that C15:0 (pentadecanoic acid) is the first essential fat discovered in 90 years, a powerful longevity booster, and a game-changer for metabolic health. But how much of this is backed by solid science? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Bill Harris, a leading expert in fatty acid research, to critically evaluate the evidence behind C15:0. We break down the population studies linking it to health benefits, the key clinical trials testing its effects, and whether the marketing around Fatty15 is ahead of the actual data. In this episode, we cover: What exactly is C15:0, and how does it compare to other fats? The claim that C15:0 is an essential nutrient—does it meet the criteria? The current evidence on C15:0 and its impact on cholesterol, glucose, and inflammation Does C15:0 supplementation mimic omega-3s, metformin, or rapamycin? The broader issue of patenting a naturally occurring compound For more details and supporting studies, visit the full show notes. Introduction to Pentadecanoic Acid (C15:0) (00:00) Evaluating the Claims of C15:0 (02:05 Comparing C15:0 with Other Fatty Acids (03:12) Health Implications of Dairy Fats and the Essentiality of C15:0 (05:02) Scientific Evidence and Studies on C15:0 (13:12) Interpreting Clinical Trial Results, Cholesterol, and the Tango Trial (27:59) Cholesterol and the Tango Trial (28:28) Comparing C15:0 to Omega 3s (32:02) Future Research Directions for C15:0 (37:46) Longevity Claims and Patents (42:30) Final Thoughts and Conclusion (49:44) Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also support the show by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and sharing your favourite episodes with friends and family. This episode is brought to you by: 38TERA Consider 38TERA's DMN prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout.  Eight Sleep Upgrade your sleep with the Pod 4 Ultra by Eight Sleep. Clinically validated to deliver up to 1 extra hour of quality sleep per night through temperature control and biometric tracking. Use code THEPROOF for $350 off at eightsleep.com/theproof. Try it risk-free for 30 days, with worldwide shipping. Eimele Eimele Essential 8 is a comprehensive multivitamin that is scientifically formulated to complement your plant-rich diet, increase and sustain your energy, and support the immune system, as well as heart and brain health. Follow this link for 20% off one-time purchases and subscriptions. WHOOP Whoop, the most advanced fitness and health wearable available. Your personalised fitness and health coach to recover faster, sleep better, and train smarter. Claim your first month free on join.whoop.com/simon. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) • Creator of theproof.com • Host of The Proof with Simon Hill • Author of The Proof is in the Plants Subscribe & Connect: • YouTube • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Instagram: @simonhill • Twitter: @theproof • Facebook: The Proof with Simon Hill Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide and download my Two-Week Meal Plan.

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  56:11
• Everything You Need to Know About Olive Oil | Simon Hill, Msc

  Is olive oil really as healthy as people claim? How does it compare to other fats? And how do you choose the best product for cooking and everyday use? In this episode, I take a deep dive into the science behind olive oil—its potential role in longevity, its impact on chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and the key factors that determine quality. In this episode, we cover: Olive oil’s role in longevity and overall health The difference between refined and extra virgin olive oil How olive oil may influence cardiovascular, cognitive, and metabolic health What to look for when buying olive oil and how to store it properly Whether it’s safe to cook with olive oil and how to preserve its benefits For more details and supporting studies, visit the full show notes. Introduction (00:00) Olive Oil for Longevity and Lifespan (00:52) Olive Oil for Heart Health and Chronic Disease (06:28) Olive Oil’s Role in Cancer Prevention (07:58) Olive Oil for Brain Health and Cognitive Function (12:38) Olive Oil for Metabolic Health and Blood Sugar Control (16:08) How Olive Oil Supports Overall Health (21:12) How to Choose High-Quality Olive Oil (25:27) Best Practices for Cooking and Storing Olive Oil (35:12) Key Takeaways on Olive Oil’s Health Benefits (41:32) Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also support the show by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and sharing your favourite episodes with friends and family. This episode is brought to you by: 38TERA Consider 38TERA's DMN prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout.  Function Health Track, optimise, and thrive with Function Health. Access 100+ lab tests – five times more than a typical physical – including ApoB and LP(a), no doctor approval needed. Get science-backed insights and track your results over time. Skip the 400,000-person waitlist at functionhealth.com/simonhill. Only available to those living in the United States. Pique Tea Pique's Nandaka provides sustainable, all-day energy and makes you feel like you’re doing something good for your body! Try Pique and get 20% off plus a FREE starter kit when you shop exclusively at Piquelife.com/simon. Calm Find your calm anytime, anywhere with Calm, the #1 app for meditation and relaxation. From guided meditations to sleep stories and breathing exercises, Calm helps you reduce stress, improve focus, and sleep better. Visit calm.com/proof for 40% off a premium subscription today. Applied Nutrition Literacy Looking to sharpen your nutrition literacy and make smarter, science-based decisions? Enrol in the Applied Nutrition Literacy Course to gain the tools you need to evaluate research confidently. Perfect for nutrition professionals and keen enthusiasts. Join by March 8 here. Eimele Eimele Essential 8 is a comprehensive multivitamin that is scientifically formulated to complement your plant-rich diet, increase and sustain your energy, and support the immune system, as well as heart and brain health. Follow this link for 20% off one-time purchases and subscriptions. WHOOP Whoop, the most advanced fitness and health wearable available. Your personalised fitness and health coach to recover faster, sleep better, and train smarter. Claim your first month free on join.whoop.com/simon. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) • Creator of theproof.com • Host of The Proof with Simon Hill • Author of The Proof is in the Plants Subscribe & Connect: • YouTube • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Instagram: @simonhill • Twitter: @theproof • Facebook: The Proof with Simon Hill Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide and download my Two-Week Meal Plan.

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  49:39

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