Excessive Omega-6 fatty acids present in seed oils potentially reduce the risks associated with diabetes and heart disease.
Living a healthy life involves keeping your cardiovascular and metabolic systems in tip-top shape. That's your cardiometabolic health we're talking about here. In simple terms, it means your heart is functioning well, and your body efficiently uses energy and regulates blood sugar levels.
A sluggish cardiometabolic system could increase your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and even strokes. Heart attacks and strokes, for instance, are the leading cause of death in the United States. Type 2 diabetes, another cardiometabolic disease, affects about 10% of the adult population and is a risk factor for heart problems as well as other issues like kidney failure.
Kevin C. Maki, PhD, a researcher from Indiana University, explains that lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, smoking, and other behaviors play a significant role in the onset of these cardiometabolic disorders. "Lifestyle modification is the cornerstone of efforts to minimize cardiometabolic risks," Maki told Medical News Today.
Maki is the lead author of two new studies that have recently been presented at the American Society for Nutrition's annual meeting, NUTRITION 2025. These studies suggest that consuming more linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, could help support cardiometabolic health and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
So, what is linoleic acid and where can you find it? Linoleic acid is primarily found in vegetable oils used for cooking and in many food products. Recently, there's been a lot of buzz about 'seed oils' like corn oil and soybean oil. However, Maki noted that while some claim these oils, which are rich in linoleic acid, cause inflammation, the studies he's conducted don't support that view.
In fact, Maki's research indicates that higher levels of linoleic acid in the blood are linked to lower levels of inflammation biomarkers like C-reactive protein and glycoprotein acetyls, which are risk factors for heart attack and stroke. The researchers also found that people with higher levels of linoleic acid had more favorable levels of BMI and markers of glucose homeostasis, meaning their blood sugar levels were more stable.
However, it's worth noting that these studies didn't establish a cause-and-effect relationship between linoleic acid consumption and the observed effects on cardiometabolic risk factors. So, while linoleic acid consumption may be helpful, further intervention studies are needed to determine the exact impact.
As for whether you should increase your intake of linoleic acid, dietitians recommend a balanced approach. It's always a good idea to consume a variety of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts, tofu, eggs, and fish. Even though linoleic acid seems to offer health benefits, careful consideration should be given to the sources of this fatty acid and the context in which it's consumed.
In Short: Cardiometabolic health is crucial because it affects the functioning of the heart and metabolic systems. Lifestyle factors, including diet and physical activity, play a vital role in maintaining cardiometabolic health. Recent research suggests that consuming a diet higher in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid found in vegetable oils and nuts, may help support cardiometabolic health and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. However, it's essential to consume linoleic acid as part of a balanced diet and consider the context in which it is consumed to maximize health benefits.
- Maintaining cardiometabolic health is important as it impacts the heart and metabolic systems' functionality.
- Lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity significantly influence the onset of cardiometabolic disorders.
- Type 2 diabetes, a cardiometabolic disease, affects around 10% of the adult population and increases the risk for heart problems and other issues like kidney failure.
- Consuming more linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, could potentially lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, according to recent studies.
- Linoleic acid is primarily found in vegetable oils used for cooking and many food products.
- Higher levels of linoleic acid in the blood have been linked to lower levels of inflammation biomarkers and more stable blood sugar levels.
- To maximize health benefits, it's recommended to consume linoleic acid as part of a balanced diet, considering the sources and context of consumption.
