Ultraprocessed Foods High in Seed Oils Could Be Fueling Colon Cancer Risk
www.scientificamerican.com
A new study suggests certain lipids, particularly omega-6 fatty acids, which are commonly found in seed oils used to make ultraprocessed junk food, may promote inflammation in colon cancer tumors

Summary

A new study links omega-6 fatty acids, common in seed oils used in ultraprocessed foods, to inflammation that may fuel colon cancer.

Researchers found colorectal tumor samples contained high levels of omega-6s and low levels of omega-3s, which help resolve inflammation.

Prolonged inflammation can damage cells, promote uncontrolled cell growth, and increase cancer risk.

Experts suggest the Western diet, heavy in ultraprocessed foods and seed oils, is a likely contributor.

While omega-6s are essential in moderation, their current overconsumption raises concerns, prompting calls for further research and dietary caution.

  • chonglibloodsport@lemmy.worldEnglish
    4·
    2 days ago

    That’s because “ultra-processed food” isn’t a useful category. It lumps together many different processing methods and many different additives without any basis for doing so. Some things may be really bad but others may be just fine.