Does consuming vegetable oil cause inflammation-related diseases? A recent study featured on ScienceDaily.com contradicts this notion. Apparently, vegetable oil is rich in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that helps reduce blood cholesterol levels as well as lower the risk of heart disease.
Researchers from the University of Missouri and the University of Illinois reviewed 15 clinical trials about different forms of fat and found that a high-linoleic acid diet was not linked to inflammation.
“Some previous studies have shown that inflammation, which is an immune response in the body, can occur when certain fats are consumed. We’ve come to realize that this inflammation, which can occur anywhere in the body, can cause or promote chronic diseases. We know that animal fats can encourage inflammation, but in this study, we’ve been able to rule out vegetable oil as a cause,” researcher Kevin Fritche concludes.
The American Heart Association recommends consuming two to four tablespoons of vegetable oil a day to get the right amount of linoleic acid that would benefit the heart.
(Photo by Bob Peters via Flickr Creative Commons)
