Once Considered 'Toxic,' Seed Oils May Help Prevent Heart Disease and Diabetes, Study Finds

"Linoleic Acid Lowers Risk of Heart Disease and Type 2 Diabetes"
Indiana University Researchers Announce Findings

A study has found that omega-6 fatty acids (linoleic acid) contained in seed oils, such as soybean oil and corn oil, may help prevent heart disease and type 2 diabetes. On June 24 (local time), the New York Post reported that a new study presented by researchers from the Indiana University Bloomington School of Public Health at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition is challenging the existing perception of seed oil, which has long been regarded as a 'toxic substance.'

Edible oil display at a large supermarket. Photo by Asia Economy DB

Linoleic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid obtained through the diet and is abundantly found in oils extracted from plant seeds, such as sunflower oil, canola oil, and sesame oil. The researchers tracked the association between plasma linoleic acid levels and cardiovascular disease in 1,894 healthy adults. The results showed that higher linoleic acid levels were associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease as well as a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. This is because higher linoleic acid levels were linked to lower glucose and insulin levels, as well as lower HOMA-IR scores, a biomarker of insulin resistance.

This study is considered more reliable because it measured linoleic acid levels through blood tests rather than relying solely on dietary surveys or frequency records. Professor Markey, one of the study's authors, emphasized, "While many previous studies have relied on subjective dietary records, we analyzed the correlation between linoleic acid intake and health indicators using objective biomarkers." The researchers also analyzed glycemic metabolism indicators and various inflammation-related biomarkers. As a result, individuals with higher linoleic acid levels showed positive outcomes in terms of overall risk for heart disease and diabetes.

A study has found that omega-6 fatty acids (linoleic acid) contained in seed oils such as soybean oil and corn oil may help prevent heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Photo by Asia Economy DB

Previously, British nutrition therapist Kerry Beeson also expressed a positive view of seed oil, stating, "Seed oils are objectively quite healthy fats because they are low in saturated fat." She argued, "There are concerns about the high ratio of omega-6 fatty acids in seed oils, but there is no strong evidence that high omega-6 levels are associated with disease."

Sarah Berry, a professor of nutritional sciences at King's College London, also told the British media outlet The Guardian, "More than 15 randomized controlled trials have shown that refined seed oils do not affect inflammation. In fact, linoleic acid found in sunflower oil and grape seed oil often shows an effect of reducing inflammation."