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The study reveals that excess consumption of seed oils like sunflower, grapeseed, canola, and corn oil may heighten cancer risk.
Seed oils are a relatively recent addition to the food industry. (Representative Image)
A study has shed light on a troubling connection between popular cooking oils and the increasing incidence of cancer, especially in younger individuals. According to a report by the Hindustan Times, the research, published in the medical journal Gut, reveals that frequent consumption of seed oils such as sunflower, grapeseed, canola, and corn oil may heighten cancer risk. These findings raise serious concerns about the potential health hazards linked to the overuse of these oils in daily cooking.
Key discoveries from the study
The research examined 80 colon cancer patients and found elevated levels of bioactive lipids, substances formed through the breakdown of seed oils. Analysis of 81 tumour samples from individuals aged 30 to 85 revealed a strong presence of lipids in the cancerous tissues, which the study linked to seed oil consumption.
Seed oils are a relatively recent addition to the food industry. In the early 1900s, candle-maker William Procter developed seed oils as a cost-effective substitute for animal fats in soap production. Over time, these oils transitioned into a dietary staple for Americans.
The Link Between Seed Oils and Cancer
Previous research has highlighted the negative health effects of seed oils, pointing to their role in promoting inflammation within the body. Recent findings suggest that bioactive lipids, formed during the breakdown of seed oils, not only accelerate the development of colon cancer but also hinder the body’s ability to combat tumours effectively. Seed oils, rich in omega-6 and polyunsaturated fatty acids, are under investigation for their potential links to chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.
The study highlights the role of chronic inflammation caused by the overconsumption of seed oils, which has been shown to contribute to the growth and spread of cancer. Researchers explained that the lipid profile of colorectal cancer (CRC) tumours exhibits a pronounced pro-inflammatory bias, along with a deficiency in natural mediators that typically help resolve inflammation. This disruption in the body’s ability to switch lipid classes effectively leads to prolonged inflammation, thereby creating an environment that promotes cancer development.
The findings point to an emerging field known as resolution medicine, which focuses on therapeutic strategies to restore balance. By inducing or supplementing the body with specialized pro-resolving mediators, such as resolvins, this approach aims to counteract the persistent inflammation that drives cancer growth and progression. This novel perspective could pave the way for more effective treatments that target the root causes of inflammation-related cancers.
