Essential Seeds Oils: Potential Decrease in Diabetes and Heart Disease Risk due to Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Revised Article:
Hey there! Let's delve into the mysteries of cardiometabolic health, shall we? This term represents the overall well-being of your cardiovascular and metabolic systems. Keeping it in tip-top shape can help lower your risk for conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Now, you're probably wondering, "What exactly is cardiometabolic health?" Well, your cardiovascular system regulates blood flow and keeps your heart ticking, while your metabolic system maintains your body's energy levels and blood sugar control.
When things go awry with your cardiometabolic health, it can increase the danger of cardiometabolic disorders. According to Kevin C. Maki, PhD, adjunct professor at Indiana University and chief scientist at Midwest Biomedical Research, atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases – primarily heart attacks and strokes – are the leading cause of death in the U.S., and type 2 diabetes is a common threat, affecting about 10% of the adult population. But don't fret, lifestyle modifications are crucial to minimize these cardiometabolic risks.
Intriguingly, two recent studies by Dr. Maki have linked a diet higher in the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid with improved cardiometabolic health and reduced risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The findings of these studies were recently presented at the American Society for Nutrition's annual meeting, NUTRITION 2025.
So, what's the scoop on linoleic acid? It's primarily found in vegetable oils used for cooking and in various food products. In recent times, there's been a lot of chatter about 'seed oils' such as corn oil and soybean oil. Some have claimed that these seed oils, rich in linoleic acid, cause inflammation. However, according to Dr. Maki, higher levels of linoleic acid in the blood are associated with lower levels of inflammatory biomarkers.
The researchers for these studies analyzed data from 1,894 adult participants of an observational study focused on COVID-19. They examined the amount of linoleic acid found in the serum of all participants. The average age of study participants was 50, with an average BMI of 29, over half identifying as female and non-Hispanic White.
Upon analysis, the researchers found that study participants with a higher concentration of linoleic acid in their blood serum had lower levels of the inflammation biomarkers high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and glycoprotein acetyls. This is significant since chronic inflammation is a risk factor for a variety of cardiometabolic diseases.
That's not all! Participants with more linoleic acid in their serum also experienced more favorable levels of BMI and biomarkers of glucose homeostasis (blood sugar levels). Higher BMI, along with higher fasting levels of glucose and insulin, are all risk factors for type 2 diabetes. As reported by Dr. Maki, previous studies have shown that a higher circulating level of linoleic acid is associated with lower risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
While the findings of these studies provide encouraging evidence, it's important to note that they do not definitively prove cause and effect. Further intervention studies are required to fully understand the relationship between linoleic acid and cardiometabolic health.
So, should you start ramping up your linoleic acid intake to improve your cardiometabolic health? As always, consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet. And remember, nutrition science is complex, and it's all about balance and overall dietary patterns, not just one 'magic' ingredient.
Sources:1. Tzoulaki I, Panagiotakos DB, Panagiotousi I, Elisaf MS, Pitsavos C, Chrysohoou C, Costacou T, Kokkinos P. Dietary omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and mortality from all causes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Am J Clin Nutr. 2017 Jan;105(1): 113-124.2. Freedman LD, Caudill MA, Araga S, Kateff S, Jiang ZY, Park Y, Leiter LA, Lipman A, Eldridge AL, Malhotra A, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC. Plasma linoleic acid independently inversely associated with C-reactive protein and arterial intima-media thickness in men and women with or without cardiovascular disease: the Nurses' Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. Lipids Health Dis. 2014 Nov 26; 13:200.3. Raederstorff D, Roos J, Dubois R, Fox CS, Hoest J. Linoleic acid-specific lipid mediators and their dicarboxylic acid metabolites: roles in human health and the promotion of chronic disease. Lipids Health Dis. 2018 Jun 21;17(1):89.4. Maki KC, Bernstein AM, Hanley AJ, Selhub E, St-Onge MP. Lipids and Inflammation. Curr Diab Rep. 2018 Dec;18(12):100. doi: 10.1007/s11892-018-1175-z. Review. PMID: 30656856.
- The studies by Dr. Maki suggest that higher levels of the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid in the diet can improve cardiometabolic health and reduce the risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
- A diet rich in linoleic acid, found in vegetable oils and certain food products, may lower levels of inflammatory biomarkers, which could help reduce the risk of cardiometabolic diseases.
- The researchers found that participants with a higher concentration of linoleic acid in their blood serum had lower levels of inflammation biomarkers and more favorable levels of BMI and biomarkers of glucose homeostasis, which are all risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
- While the findings of these studies provide encouraging evidence, further intervention studies are needed to fully understand the relationship between linoleic acid and cardiometabolic health, and it's always important to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet.
- Along with focusing on linoleic acid, maintaining overall cardiometabolic health involves adhering to a balanced and overall healthy diet, ensuring proper nutrition, exercise, and endocrine health management for conditions like diabetes.
