- New research links linoleic acid in seed oils to reduced inflammation.
- Study shows potential protection against heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
- Data is based on blood biomarkers, not self-reported diets.
For years, seed oils like canola, sunflower, and sesame have been villainized by online wellness influencers who labeled them as inflammatory and harmful.
Unlike past research reliant on dietary surveys, this study utilized objective blood biomarker analysis across nearly 1,900 participants, making its findings more robust.
Crushing the Myth: Why Seed Oils Deserve a Place in a Healthy Diet
What sets this study apart is its use of blood plasma data rather than dietary recall. This allows for a more objective measurement of linoleic acid intake, giving researchers a clearer view of the direct physiological effects. The results revealed that individuals with higher plasma linoleic acid had fewer markers of inflammation, a key driver of both cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
While saturated fats have long been linked to increased health risks, seed oils are low in saturated fat and rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which contribute to cell function and metabolic health. Kerry Beeson, a registered nutritional therapist, emphasized that seed oils are often wrongly demonized, despite offering beneficial fatty acid profiles when consumed in moderation.
The new findings align with earlier studies suggesting that plant-based oils have a role in reducing chronic disease risk. What makes this study stronger is its reliance on clinical biomarkers, rather than subjective data. This helps further dismantle the myth that all seed oils are inflammatory or damaging to long-term health.
Health advice on social platforms often simplifies or distorts scientific facts. The vilification of seed oils is a prime example of how misinformation spreads. Evidence-based nutrition, like that presented in this study, plays a crucial role in separating health facts from fads. It’s important to trust peer-reviewed research over online trends lacking clinical support.
Seed oils, long misjudged as unhealthy, may actually offer protective benefits against chronic diseases when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” – Hippocrates
