Cooking oils under scrutiny: New study links common varieties to cancer risk

Cooking oils under scrutiny: New study links common varieties to cancer risk
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n a surprising twist, a new study raises concerns about some common cooking oils — Sunflower, grapeseed, canola, and corn oils, which are staples in many homes and restaurants, are the culprits.
This groundbreaking research, led by a team of U.S. government scientists, suggests these oils might be contributing to the alarming rise in colon cancer cases, especially among younger adults. The study, published in the respected medical journal Gut, examined tumours from over 80 colon cancer patients aged 30 to 85.
Cooking oils : What they found was shocking. The tumours had far higher levels of bioactive lipids – tiny oily molecules produced when our bodies break down seed oils. Compared to healthier fats, these bioactive lipids were present in significantly higher amounts.
So what’s the deal with these lipids? These molecular troublemakers are believed to increase inflammation in the body, interfere with natural healing processes, and even encourage tumour growth. It’s a triple threat that has health experts concerned.
Dr. Timothy Yeatman, a physician-scientist who participated in the study, wasn’t minced-mouthed. He stressed a pressing need to rethink several integral aspects of the Western diet, including but certainly not limited to these seed oils, added sugars, saturated fats, and ultra-processed foods.
Cooking oils: “We’ve known for a while that unhealthy diets lead to increased inflammation,” Dr. Yeatman explained, “Now we’re seeing this inflammation in the colon tumours themselves. Cancer is like a wound that won’t heal, and if you’re constantly fuelling your body with ultra-processed foods, you’re essentially handicapping its ability to fight back.”
So, what is a health-conscious cook to do? The researchers suggest turning to oils rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Olive oil and avocado oil got the thumbs up as healthier alternatives. These options not only avoid the pitfalls of their seed oil counterparts but also bring their own set of health benefits to the table.
It should be realized that this study does not call for panic and the immediate need to throw out every bottle of canola oil found in the pantry. The top U.S. health institutions have clarified that moderate consumption of seed oils as part of a balanced diet has not been definitively linked with cancer.
Cooking oils: Nonetheless, this study does emphasize the need to be conscious of the food we consume. As one learns more about the dynamics of what one consumes, ending up in health, one realizes that even commonly used cooking oils can be significant in determining health.
It does not have to be a drastic shift for those in need of a change. You can simply begin experimenting with olive oil within your cooking and use avocado oil for the highest heat applications.Cooking oilsDangerous Chemicals Found in Ghee of 18 Major Brands Like Patanjali and Amul, Three Factories Exposed