Seed oils help heart and blood vessels

The study involved almost 1,900 people, and the results were clear: those whose blood levels of linoleic acid were elevated had more favourable metabolic indicators. This includes sugar levels, insulin levels, and inflammatory markers – all those things that lead to diabetes and heart disease in excess.

Linoleic acid is the main representative of omega-6 fatty acids. We get it mainly from sunflower, corn and soya oils, as well as from plant foods. Recently, these oils have often been criticised, allegedly causing inflammation. However, new data is forcing a rethinking of that view.

“We didn’t just ask people what they ate. We measured actual blood values,” explains one of the study’s authors, Professor Kevin Mackey. – “And we saw: the more linoleic acid, the lower the risk. This was particularly evident in the reduction in levels of C-reactive protein, a key marker of inflammation.

The study also showed a reduction in insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), one of the key factors in the development of type 2 diabetes. In other words, participants with high levels of linoleic acid had a more ‘smooth’ and balanced metabolism.

Scientists stress: this does not mean that you should drink litres of oil. But one thing is clear – linoleic acid is not an enemy. On the contrary, its moderate presence in the diet may be an important part of the prevention of chronic diseases.

Next, the researchers plan to study how different types of oils – with different fatty acid compositions – affect heart and metabolic risks. Perhaps we’ll soon learn even more about which oils are actually beneficial – and why.