A recent study linking seed oils to colon cancer has sparked concerns about their health effects. However, experts clarify that the headlines are misleading. This article explores the facts about seed oils, their health risks, and the role they play in a balanced diet.
Seed oils are making headlines, prompting fears around whether they can negatively affect your health. Earlier this week, a study published in the journal Gut led to headlines likening seed oils to colon cancer fuel — but already some experts have said the headlines are misleading.
For a fuller picture of seed oils, here's what to know. What are seed oils?Unlike other vegetable oils, which are derived from the fruit of a plant, seed oils are derived from the seed of a plant. For example, sunflower oil is made from sunflower seeds, making it a seed oil, whereas olive oil is made from whole olives, the fruit of the plant. Some seed oils like sesame, for example, can also be fragrant and add flavor to a dish or dressing, making them popular in some kitchens.What health risks do they pose?'Based on the evidence we have, seed oils don't pose any health risks,' Kristina Petersen, associate professor of nutritional sciences at Penn State University, told CBS News. 'In fact, when you look at the evidence, it shows that intake of seed oils, instead of fats like butter and other animal fats, actually improves blood cholesterol levels and lowers risk of diseases like heart disease Type 2 diabetes.'Dr. Steven Shamah, director of endoscopy at Lenox Hill Hospital, told CBS News, 'everything in moderation.'Like all oils, seed oils contain fat, which is important for a balanced diet but in certain quantities. But the type of fat, saturated or unsaturated, is also important. Saturated fats — found in meat, dairy and coconut — can raise both 'good' and 'bad' cholesterol levels, making limited intake recommended. The American Heart Association recommends that no more than 5% to 6% of your daily calories come from saturated fats.Seed oils are rich in unsaturated fats, which can include both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Research suggests these fats may decrease 'bad' and raise 'good' cholesterol. These oils are also high in the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid, which, while essential for bodily functions, should be balanced with omega-3 fatty acids, Shamah said. 'Linoleic acid, commonly found in seed oils in small amounts, is beneficial; however, in large amounts, puts significant stress on many forms of beneficial bacteria in the microbiome,' Shamah said, adding overconsumption can be common in modern diets because seed oils are in many processed foods.Why do some people consider seed oils bad for your health?Seed oil critics say linoleic acid, a omega-6 fatty acid found in these oils, breaks down into toxins when used for cooking, causing numerous health issues including inflammation, a weakened immune system and contributing to chronic illnesses.While linoleic acid can be converted into arachidonic acid in the body, experts say this is not cause for concern. Petersen said these claims of 'toxic by-products' are common on social media, but clinical trial data shows markers of inflammation don't change when people eat the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid. Plus, only a small percentage of omega-6s is converted to arachidonic acid, according to Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Christopher Gardner, a professor of medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine in California and a nutrition scientist at the Stanford Prevention Research Center, also told the American Heart Association earlier this year that this argument around omega-6 fatty acids is flawed. While omega-6 can be pro-inflammatory, the amount of inflammation it's associated with has not been shown to be harmful.'Omega-6 is a polyunsaturated fat the body needs but cannot produce itself, so it must get it from foods,' Gardner said. 'Polyunsaturated fats help the body reduce bad cholesterol, lowering the risk for heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association supports the inclusion of omega-6 fatty acids as part of a healthy diet.'People may not realize how much seed oils they're eating because of the many processed foods that contain them. But instead of demonizing seed oils, Gardner argues the real concern should be overeating ultra-processed foods, which can have negative health impacts due to high levels of other ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup, sugar and sodium.List of widely used seed oilsCommonly used seed oils include:CanolaCornSunflowerPumpkin seedChia seedSesamePeanutGrapeseedSoybeanList of widely used oils that aren't seed oilsCommon oils that aren't derived from seeds include: OliveAvocadoCoconut
SEED OILS HEALTH RISKS UNSATURATED FATS SATURATED FATS CHOLESTEROL
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
RFK Jr. on ultraprocessed food: The science on food dyes, glyphosate, and seed oilsPolitical News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government
Read more »
Are Seed Oils Slowing Your Metabolism And Causing Weight Gain?Discover how seed oils might be slowing your metabolism, contributing to weight gain, and affecting your health. Learn how to choose healthier alternatives.
Read more »
What to know about seed oils: Myths debunked and recommendationsVarious studies have looked at linoleic acid found in seed oils.
Read more »
Seed Oils May Increase Cancer Risk, Study FindsDana Schulz is an experienced editor, writer, and content strategist who is just as likely to be crunching the latest housing market data as she is to be sharing all the best new kitchen gadgets at Target. She has written about real estate, apartment living, home decor, and history for more than 14 years.
Read more »
Ultraprocessed Foods High in Seed Oils Could Be Fueling Colon Cancer RiskA new study suggests certain lipids, particularly omega-6 fatty acids, which are commonly found in seed oils used to make ultraprocessed junk food, may promote inflammation in colon cancer tumors
Read more »
Nutritionists weigh in on seed oils, cooking and consumption habitsNutritionists interviewed said seed oils should be consumed in moderation.
Read more »