New Study Suggests Certain Cooking Oils Might Increase Colon Cancer Risk
A recent study has raised concerns that certain cooking oils could be linked to colon cancer. Oils like sunflower, canola, corn, and grapeseed have been identified as potentially problematic.
The research, published in the medical journal Gut, examined 80 U.S. patients with colon cancer. It revealed that these oils might increase the risk of developing colon cancer in individuals between the ages of 30 and 85.
The study recommends replacing these seed oils with alternatives rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as olive and avocado oils. Seed oils are linked to higher levels of lipids, which create fat compounds in the body. More than 25% of our dietary calories come from eight seed oils: rapeseed, sunflower, flaxseed, corn, grapeseed, soybean, rice bran, and safflower.
These oils can also cause inflammation due to their omega-6 and polyunsaturated fatty acid content. Tim Yeatman, a professor of surgery and lead author of the study, explained to Good Health that consuming too many omega-6s leads to an immuno-suppressed environment in colon cancer, potentially allowing the cancer to grow unchecked.
He advises switching to oils high in omega-3s, such as olive or avocado oil, highlighting the health benefits of these oils. Olive oil is a key component of the Mediterranean diet, widely regarded as one of the healthiest eating patterns. Avocado oil also offers benefits for heart and eye health.
However, major cancer organizations in the U.S. state there is no evidence to suggest that moderate consumption of these oils leads to increased cancer risk. Seed oils, originally introduced by candle maker William Procter in the 1900s, quickly became popular across America and the world.
Some experts, like Sarah Berry from King’s College London, believe the rise in obesity and type 2 diabetes may be more closely linked to the increased consumption of processed foods rather than seed oils alone. She notes that many ultra-processed foods contain seed oils, along with high levels of sugar, salt, and other additives, while lacking essential nutrients.
In the UK, there have been reports of "forever chemicals" found in common fruits, vegetables, and spices. These chemicals, known as PFAs, take centuries to break down and can accumulate in human bodies, potentially leading to severe health conditions such as kidney and testicular cancer, increased cholesterol, and high blood pressure in pregnant women.
Nick Mole from Pan UK expressed concern over consumers being exposed to these chemicals, urging for a better understanding of the associated health risks and efforts to remove them from the food chain.
This article was first published on December 12, 2024.
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