More Harm than Good?
Soybean oil is a common ingredient in the American diet, often praised for its plant-based properties. But is it truly a health ally?
Recent research reveals that excessive consumption of soybean oil may lead to multiple health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and even brain-related issues like autism and Alzheimer’s disease.
A new study now adds inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), specifically ulcerative colitis, to this growing list of concerns.
The Study and Its Findings
Researchers from the University of California, Riverside, put the spotlight on the gut health of mice fed with a high soybean oil diet for up to 24 weeks.
They found that the diet led to a decrease in beneficial bacteria, and an increase in harmful bacteria like adherent invasive Escherichia coli (E. coli), a combination that could contribute to developing colitis.
Soybean oil is a staple in many kitchens, particularly in the US, but its consumption is also rising in countries like Brazil, China, and India.
The oil, often used in cooking and as an animal feed, is a cheap and readily available source of protein.
The Unseen Villain: Linoleic Acid
The study, published in the open-access journal Gut Microbes, points to linoleic acid, a component of soybean oil, as the main culprit.
Poonamjot Deol, an assistant professional researcher involved in the study, explains that while our bodies require 1%-2% of linoleic acid daily, the modern diet often pushes this up to 8%-10%, primarily due to soybean oil. T
his excessive intake negatively impacts our gut microbiome, promoting the growth of harmful bacteria like E. coli and causing beneficial bacteria to die off.
The imbalance makes the gut more susceptible to inflammation and can cause the intestinal epithelial barrier to become porous, potentially leading to increased permeability or leakiness, conditions associated with colitis.
Revisiting Health Assumptions
These findings challenge the long-held belief that plant-based unsaturated fats are necessarily healthier than saturated fats from animal sources.
Co-researcher Frances M. Sladek emphasizes that not all unsaturated fats are equal. Some, like those found in fish oil, have well-documented health benefits. Yet others, like linoleic acid found in soybean oil, may pose risks when consumed in excess.
While it’s clear that a small amount of linoleic acid is needed for bodily functions, the researchers caution that more is not always better.
Olive Oil: A Healthier Choice
According to the researchers, olive oil, known for its lower linoleic acid content, is a healthier alternative.
It’s a core component of the Mediterranean diet and is associated with lower obesity rates. Unlike soybean oil, it does not increase the susceptibility of mice to colitis.
James Borneman, a professor of microbiology and plant pathology at UCR and a co-author of the study, expresses concern over the findings: “Adherent invasive E. coli contributes to IBD in humans, and the fact that we find this E. coli in these mice is concerning.”
Making Informed Choices
Given the widespread use of soybean oil in processed foods and in restaurants due to its lower cost, the researchers suggest consumers be mindful of their intake.
They recommend staying away from processed foods and choosing healthier oils like olive, coconut, and avocado oil for cooking.
They warn that corn oil has the same amount of linoleic acid as soybean oil and thus poses similar risks.
The key takeaway? Be vigilant about your consumption of soybean oil to avoid excessive intake of linoleic# “Soybean Oil: Friend or Foe? New Study Links High Consumption to Gut Inflammation”
More Harm than Good?
Soybean oil is a common ingredient in the American diet, often praised for its plant-based properties. But is it truly a health ally?
Recent research reveals that excessive consumption of soybean oil may lead to multiple health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and even brain-related issues like autism and Alzheimer’s disease.
A new study now adds inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), specifically ulcerative colitis, to this growing list of concerns.
The Study and Its Findings
Researchers from the University of California, Riverside, put the spotlight on the gut health of mice fed with a high soybean oil diet for up to 24 weeks.
They found that the diet led to a decrease in beneficial bacteria, and an increase in harmful bacteria like adherent invasive Escherichia coli (E. coli), a combination that could contribute to developing colitis.
Soybean oil is a staple in many kitchens, particularly in the US, but its consumption is also rising in countries like Brazil, China, and India.
The oil, often used in cooking and as an animal feed, is a cheap and readily available source of protein.
The Unseen Villain: Linoleic Acid
The study, published in the open-access journal Gut Microbes, points to linoleic acid, a component of soybean oil, as the main culprit.
Poonamjot Deol, an assistant professional researcher involved in the study, explains that while our bodies require 1%-2% of linoleic acid daily, the modern diet often pushes this up to 8%-10%, primarily due to soybean oil.
This excessive intake negatively impacts our gut microbiome, promoting the growth of harmful bacteria like E. coli and causing beneficial bacteria to die off.
The imbalance makes the gut more susceptible to inflammation and can cause the intestinal epithelial barrier to become porous, potentially leading to increased permeability or leakiness, conditions associated with colitis.
Revisiting Health Assumptions
These findings challenge the long-held belief that plant-based unsaturated fats are necessarily healthier than saturated fats from animal sources.
Co-researcher Frances M. Sladek emphasizes that not all unsaturated fats are equal. Some, like those found in fish oil, have well-documented health benefits.
Yet others, like linoleic acid found in soybean oil, may pose risks when consumed in excess.
While it’s clear that a small amount of linoleic acid is needed for bodily functions, the researchers caution that more is not always better.
Olive Oil: A Healthier Choice
According to the researchers, olive oil, known for its lower linoleic acid content, is a healthier alternative.
It’s a core component of the Mediterranean diet and is associated with lower obesity rates. Unlike soybean oil, it does not increase the susceptibility of mice to colitis.
James Borneman, a professor of microbiology and plant pathology at UCR and a co-author of the study, expresses concern over the findings: “Adherent invasive E. coli contributes to IBD in humans, and the fact that we find this E. coli in these mice is concerning.”
Making Informed Choices
Given the widespread use of soybean oil in processed foods and in restaurants due to its lower cost, the researchers suggest consumers be mindful of their intake.
They recommend staying away from processed foods and choosing healthier oils like olive, coconut, and avocado oil for cooking. They warn that corn oil has the same amount of linoleic acid as soybean oil and thus poses similar risks.
If you care about nutrition, please read studies about how Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about plant nutrients that could help reduce high blood pressure, and these antioxidants could help reduce dementia risk.
The study was published in Gut Microbes.
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