Are these ‘bad’ fatty acids good for us after all? |
Last week, we reported on research showing vitamin D supplements could slow cellular aging by preserving telomeres, the protective chromosome caps that shorten with age. Perhaps surprisingly, omega-3 supplements showed no such protective effect in the same study.
Now, new findings suggest omega-6 fatty acids may offer a degree of cardiometabolic protection. A study of 1,894 adults found that higher blood levels of linoleic acid, the omega-6 fat abundant in seed oils, were linked to lower inflammation markers and better blood sugar management.
The same participants also showed healthier BMI levels and better glucose homeostasis markers, both factors that reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. According to Dr. Kevin Maki, lead researcher and adjunct professor at Indiana University, these findings align with previous studies showing that higher circulating linoleic acid reduces diabetes development risk.
The research, presented at the American Society for Nutrition’s annual meeting, appears to neutralize some of the controversy surrounding products like corn oil, soybean oil, and similar seed oils on social media.
"Our findings do not support the view that higher linoleic acid intake is associated with more inflammation," Maki explained. “Some caution is needed because this was not an intervention study, so we cannot say that this association is cause and effect. We can only say that we found the opposite of what would be predicted if linoleic acid was having a pro-inflammatory effect,” Maki added.
For more on how omega-6 fatty acids might protect against heart disease and diabetes, jump to "Can omega-6 fatty acids in nuts, vegetable oils lower heart disease and diabetes risk?"
Also making headlines this week:
☕ Daily coffee drinking may help women avoid chronic diseases and stay healthier as they age
| |
