Is It Really Just Genetics? Or Is It the 20% Engine Lubricant in Our Diet? 🛢️🍔
While genetics play a role in obesity, dietary factors are significant contributors. Vegetable oils, such as soybean and canola oil, have become prevalent in the modern diet. Some studies suggest that high consumption of certain vegetable oils may be linked to health issues like inflammation and metabolic disorders. However, it's essential to note that research findings are mixed, and more studies are needed to fully understand the impact of these oils on health.
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How Canada Convinced the World… 🇨🇦🛢️
Canada rebranded rapeseed oil as canola oil to make it more appealing to consumers. This marketing strategy led to the widespread adoption of canola oil in global diets. Canola oil is low in saturated fat and contains both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in a ratio of 2:1. It is high in monounsaturated fats, which may decrease the risk of heart disease.
Soybean Oil: More Estrogen Than Birth Control? 🚺🚨
Soybeans contain isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogen that can mimic estrogen in the body. However, the estrogenic activity of these compounds is much weaker than human estrogen. While soybean oil is derived from soybeans, the refining process removes most of the isoflavones, resulting in negligible amounts in the final product. Therefore, consuming soybean oil does not equate to ingesting high levels of estrogenic compounds.
Seed Oils Increase Mortality More Than Heavy Drinking or a Sedentary Lifestyle 🍺🛋️💀
The health effects of seed oils are complex and depend on various factors, including their fatty acid composition and how they are processed and consumed. Some studies suggest that certain seed oils, when consumed in large amounts or when repeatedly heated, may have adverse health effects. However, current evidence does not conclusively show that seed oils increase mortality more than heavy drinking or a sedentary lifestyle. It's essential to consume oils in moderation and focus on a balanced diet.
Fat Consumption vs. Obesity: The Graph No One Talks About 📊📈
Over the past decades, there has been a decrease in saturated fat intake and an increase in the consumption of vegetable oils. This shift coincides with rising obesity rates. However, correlation does not imply causation. Multiple factors, including increased calorie intake, reduced physical activity, and higher consumption of processed foods, contribute to obesity. It's essential to consider the broader dietary and lifestyle context when examining these trends.
Time to Revert Back to Real Animal Fats 🥩🧈
Animal fats like butter are produced through simple processes like churning cream. In contrast, seed oils often undergo extensive processing, including extraction with solvents and refining, which can involve high heat and chemical treatments. Some argue that traditional animal fats are more natural and have been consumed for longer in human history. However, balancing fat intake and considering individual health needs is important when choosing dietary fats.
In conclusion, while it's crucial to be mindful of the types and amounts of fats consumed, it's equally important to consider overall dietary patterns and lifestyle factors in maintaining health.
Citations
- Bellwood, Owen. "The Cooking Oil You Eat Was Designed To Lubricate Engines In WWII." Jalopnik, 25 Sept. 2024, https://jalopnik.com/your-cooking-oil-was-originally-created-to-keep-warship-1851657229. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025.
- Ramsden, Christopher E., et al. "Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Risk for Cardiovascular Disease: A Science Advisory from the American Heart Association Nutrition Subcommittee of the Council on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Metabolism; Council on Cardiovascular Nursing; and Council on Epidemiology and Prevention." Circulation, vol. 119, no. 6, 2009, pp. 902–907.
- "Rapeseed Oil." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapeseed_oil. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025.
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"Does Eating Soy Increase Estrogen and Cause Breast Cancer?" Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1 Aug. 2022, www.mskcc.org/news/does-eating-soy-increase-estrogen-and-cause-breast. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025.