Reading time: 7 minutes
What I Discuss with Dr. Anthony Gustin and Steven Rofrano:
- Fatty acid composition of cardiolipin is distinct because it contains four esterified fatty acids, unlike triglycerides that have three…05:26
- Linoleic acid (LA) levels in tissues have drastically increased from 1958 to 2016—2018, climbing from low single digits to over 20%…08;14
- How the human diet now consists of 35% linoleic acid, leading to significant bioaccumulation due to its slow elimination from cells…12:48
- How modern conveniences reduce exposure to environmental changes—these differences influence dietary choices compared to our hunter-gatherer ancestors..1323
- Food quality is declining, partly due to the increased use of industrially produced seed oils…18:54
- Mediterranean countries are currently healthier than others, but their food trends are worsening over time. Historically, these regions have not consumed high levels of polyunsaturated fats…19:43
- The difficulty in balancing omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids due to excessive omega-6 in most diets, which can lead to health issues over time…21:17
- In the US, the system operates under “generally recognized as safe,” meaning the burden falls on consumers to prove a product is unsafe to stop its use…28:36
- In Europe, it's the manufacturers who must prove a product's safety before it is used, which results in stricter regulations and a greater number of banned substances in food and agriculture…32:57
- Using leftover bacon grease, meat drippings, and fats from beef and chicken cuts without needing to purchase expensive oils…36:15
- Long-term exposure to harmful substances, such as smoking or oxidative compounds found in seed oils, can overwhelm the body's natural defenses over time, leading to significant health damage…42:40
- Once a specific threshold of oxidative stress is exceeded, the body's capacity to process and neutralize toxic metabolites like hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (H&E) and 13-hydroxy-octadecadienoic acid (13HOD) diminishes, resulting in health issues…48:51
- Mass-produced chips are made with unhealthy oils, while MASA chips and Vandy Crisps are healthier…50:07
- Use of Healthier Fats:
- Unlike most commercial chips that use high-linoleic seed oils (e.g., sunflower, safflower, or corn oil), which are prone to oxidation and can lead to health issues, Steven’s chips are cooked in grass-fed beef tallow, a saturated fat that is more stable and less susceptible to oxidation.
- Grass-fed beef tallow contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, which offer additional nutritional benefits.
- High-Quality Ingredients:
- The chips are made from organic corn sourced from New England, reducing pesticide contamination from neighboring farms.
- Potatoes used in their chips are sourced from the longest-standing organic potato farmer in Idaho, ensuring high quality and purity.
- Traditional and Natural Flavoring:
- To achieve natural and rich flavors, they use traditional techniques (like nixtamalization for corn).
- They avoid artificial fillers and preservatives, sourcing pure and additive-free spices.
- Nutrient-Rich:
- Their chips include ingredients that provide essential nutrients, such as conjugated linoleic acid which has beneficial properties.
- Environmental Considerations:
- They aim to create a more sustainable food system, reducing dependence on monoculture farming and promoting diverse, resilient farming practices.
- Use of Healthier Fats:
Dr. Anthony Gustin is a former sports rehab clinician turned entrepreneur, author, podcast, investor, and amateur farmer. He is currently working on some new projects to help save the food system and scale regenerative agriculture. Anthony is also a functional medicine practitioner and a board-certified chiropractor who holds a Master of Science (MS) and a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree.
He last founded Perfect Keto (acquired) to help people with metabolic dysfunction, Equip Foods, and Lineage Provisions to provide people with whole food nutrition and supplementation. He is always exploring how to live like a human on his podcast The Natural State Podcast and his newsletter “The Feed.”
Steven Rofrano grew up in New Jersey in an Italian-American family that instilled in him the value of food quality and old-world traditions. However, like many others raised on the standard American diet, he faced countless health problems that were sadly considered “normal” in society. In college, Steven discovered that changing his diet—particularly by avoiding seed oils and processed foods—was the key to feeling truly healthy for the first time.
One of their flagship products is MASA Chips—traditional tortilla chips handcrafted with just three ingredients: organic corn, grass-fed tallow, and sea salt. The corn undergoes nixtamalization, an ancient process that enhances the nutritional value and digestibility of the corn. Frying the chips in grass-fed tallow instead of conventional seed oils results in a unique flavor and a satisfying crunch. MASA Chips are available in various flavors, including “Original,” “Lime,” “Cobanero,” and “Blue Corn,” catering to a wide range of taste preferences.
Another notable product from Ancient Crunch is Vandy Crisps, which are traditional potato chips made from naturally grown potatoes, grass-fed beef tallow, and sea salt. Handmade in small batches, Vandy Crisps aim to recreate the authentic taste and texture of potato chips from over a century ago, before the widespread use of artificial additives and seed oils. This commitment to traditional methods and pure ingredients provides consumers with a wholesome snacking option that honors the rich history of the classic American potato chip.
If you're interested in improving your health through better food choices, discovering delicious snacks without harmful ingredients, or learning more about the fight against seed oils, you'll love this show!
Please Scroll Down for the Sponsors, Resources, and Transcript
Episode Sponsors:
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Resources from this episode:
- Dr. Anthony Gustin:
- Steven Rofrano:
- Ancient Crunch
- MASA Chips (use code BEN27407 to save $10)
- Chip Varieties and Flavors:
- Original: Classic flavor profile with simple, high-quality ingredients.
- Blue Corn: Made with blue corn, offering a unique taste and texture.
- Lime: Features a natural lime flavor achieved by manually dehydrating limes.
- Cobanero: Inspired by the rich flavors of the Italian dish.
- Churro: A sweet and popular flavor that pairs well with desserts like coconut vanilla ice cream.
- Chip Varieties and Flavors:
- Vandy Crisps
- Ben Greenfield Podcasts and Articles:
- Ketogenic Collagen, Why You Should Add MCT’s To Collagen, Chocolate Pancakes With Blueberry Butter & More!
- Could This Be The Final Solution To The Vegetable Oil Problem? The Crazy New Technology Of “Cultured Oil” At Zero Acre Farms, With Jeff Nobbs.
- DARK Calories! How Vegetable Oils Destroy Your Health (& How You Can Get It Back) With Dr. Cate Shanahan
- Books:
- Studies and Articles:
- Other Resources:
Upcoming Events:
- Health Optimisation Summit — Austin, Texas: Apr. 12–13, 2025
The Health Optimisation Summit, Europe’s top wellness conference, is making its U.S. debut in Austin, Texas—and I will be there! Join me for a powerful talk and Q&A, plus experience insights from 35 world-class speakers covering everything from nutrition and fitness to longevity and mental health. Explore over 100 exhibitors, test the latest biohacking tech for free, and connect with 2,000 like-minded attendees committed to living their best lives. Grab your tickets here and use code BENGREENFIELD to claim 10% off.
- Keep up on Ben's LIVE appearances by following bengreenfieldlife.com/calendar!
Do you have questions, thoughts, or feedback for Dr. Anthony Gustin, Steven Rofrano, or me? Leave your comments below and one of us will reply!
One Response
I’m one of those people who can taste and smell rancid products. I’ve guessed that these rancid taste and smell comes from rancid seed oil which I’m guessing is from oxidized seed oils. If in fact this is the case, then two questions: 1. what is the actual chemical compound that provides the rancid smell and taste. and 2. which seed oils are most prone to produce rancidity?
And by the way, this podcast was fantastic, including cooking with crumbled infused burgers, and of course a strong case for using animal fats. Thanks Vic