A recent study by scientists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences suggests that a type of fat found in plants, called linoleic acid, may help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Linoleic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid that the body needs for various functions but cannot produce on its own, meaning it must come from the diet.
Linoleic acid belongs to a group of healthy fats known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). It plays a vital role in brain function, metabolism, bone health, tissue repair, and maintaining healthy skin and hair. This nutrient is found in foods like vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and some fruits and vegetables.
The research analyzed data from three long-term studies in the United States: the Nurses’ Health Study, the Nurses’ Health Study II, and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study.
These studies tracked the health and dietary habits of 83,648 women, 88,610 women, and 41,771 men, respectively, over several years. During the follow-up period, 18,442 participants were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Dietary information was collected every 2–4 years using food questionnaires, and the researchers calculated the participants’ average intake of omega-6 fatty acids, primarily linoleic acid. On average, linoleic acid accounted for 4.4–6.8% of participants’ total energy intake.
The study found that replacing certain unhealthy dietary components with linoleic acid significantly lowered the risk of type 2 diabetes:
- Replacing 5% of energy from saturated fats with linoleic acid reduced the risk by 14%.
- Replacing 2% of energy from trans fats reduced the risk by 17%.
- Replacing 5% of energy from carbohydrates reduced the risk by 9%.
Why It Matters
Saturated fats, found in butter, red meat, and certain oils, are known to increase cholesterol levels and raise the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Trans fats, often found in fried or processed foods, are even more harmful, contributing to higher bad cholesterol levels and greater risks of heart disease and diabetes.
By contrast, linoleic acid appears to offer protective effects, especially when used as a healthier alternative to saturated and trans fats.
However, the study also found that replacing linoleic acid with omega-3 fatty acids or monounsaturated fats, such as those in fish or olive oil, did not significantly change the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Benefits of Linoleic Acid
Linoleic acid is essential for the body’s production of prostaglandins—substances that regulate inflammation and blood pressure. Adequate intake of this omega-6 fatty acid has been linked to a reduced risk of several chronic diseases, including heart disease, certain cancers, and type 2 diabetes.
However, moderation is key. Consuming excessive amounts of linoleic acid, like any nutrient, can lead to potential health issues. Striking a balance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids is particularly important to avoid promoting inflammation.
Practical Dietary Tips
To incorporate more linoleic acid into your diet:
- Use vegetable oils like sunflower, safflower, or soybean oil in cooking.
- Add nuts and seeds, such as walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds, to meals or snacks.
- Include plant-based fats as substitutes for saturated fats found in butter, red meat, and cheese.
Looking Ahead
This study highlights the importance of making healthier food choices to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes. Replacing unhealthy fats or carbohydrates with plant-based polyunsaturated fats such as linoleic acid may offer significant health benefits.
The research, led by Geng Zong and published in Diabetes Care, adds to the growing understanding of how dietary fats can influence health. As type 2 diabetes continues to affect millions worldwide, findings like these emphasize the role of diet in prevention and management.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about a cure for type 2 diabetes, and these vegetables could protect against kidney damage in diabetes.
For more information about diabetes, please see recent studies about bone drug that could lower risk of type 2 diabetes, and results showing eating more eggs linked to higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
