Skip to main content

Is Omega-6 in Seed Oils Fueling the Rise in Colon Cancer?

Colon and rectal cancer are on the rise, especially among younger people. Scientists are scrambling to understand why. A recent study published in the journal Gut points a finger at ultra-processed foods, suggesting they may contribute to tumor growth by fueling inflammation.




The Omega-6 Connection:

This study uncovered an intriguing detail: cancer tumors from patients showed high levels of omega-6 fats and low levels of omega-3 fats. This imbalance is concerning because:

Omega-6s: These fats, abundant in many seed oils, can promote inflammation when consumed in excess.

Omega-3s: These fats, found in fatty fish, chia seeds and flaxseeds, have anti-inflammatory properties.

The Role of Ultra-Processed Foods:

Ultra-processed foods, often packed with seed oils, are a major source of omega-6s in the modern diet. The study suggests that excessive consumption of these foods may disrupt the delicate balance of omega-6s and omega-3s in the body. This imbalance can create a pro-inflammatory environment that allows tumors to thrive.

Does this mean seed oils cause cancer?

Not necessarily. Omega-6 fats are essential for the body in moderation. However, a diet heavily skewed towards omega-6s at the expense of omega-3s can create a chronic inflammatory state, increasing the risk of various health problems, including cancer.

The Bigger Picture:

It's important to remember that the study points to the broader issue of ultra-processed food consumption. These foods, often laden with seed oils, may contribute to cancer risk by:

  • Fueling inflammation: Creating an environment where tumors can flourish.
  • Weakening the immune system: Making it harder for the body to fight off disease.

What can you do?

  • Limit ultra-processed foods: Choose whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible.
  • Increase omega-3 intake: Include fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines in your diet. repalce seed oil with avocado and olive oil. Incorporate chia seeds and flax seeds
  • Consider omega-3 supplements: If you don't eat enough fish, talk to your doctor about supplementation.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with  a healthcare professional for any health concerns.   

Post contains affiliate links and I earn commissions.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Rice Kheer in Rice Cooker

Till now, I have been using rice cooker for just cooking rice. Recently I learnt that one cook toor daal (lentil soup), daal makhani and rice kheer. Since, dessert is my weakness, I thought I should start with rice kheer. Ingredients Rice - 1/2 cup Whole milk - 1.5 cups + more Raisins - 1/4 cup Sugar - 1/2 cup Cardamom powder - 1/4 tsp Ghee (clarified butter oil) - 1/2 tsp Method Rinse rice with water. Drain excess water and put rice in the slow cooker.  Pour all the milk and turn on the rice cooker and cover the lid.  It is important to stir kheer from to time to time. Add sugar. You may need to add more milk as the milk concentrates before the rice is cooked.  Once the rice cooked in milk turn off the switch. Heat ghee in a laddle. When hot add the raisins and cook on low heat till raising loook golden and pour the mixture in the kheer. Sprinkle the cardamom powder and serve cold or warm

Tomato Rice

Ingredients  Cooked rice - 2 cups Tomatoes - 2 medium size Onion - 1 medium size Ginger - 1-2 inch, finely chopped Green chili - 1 long, chopped Curry leaves - 1 sprig Turmeric - 1/4 tsp Corriander powder - 1 tbsp Kashmiri mirch , paprika - 1 tsp Salt - to taste Cilantro leaves - 2 sprigs Mint - few chopeed leves Cashew - optional. Cloves - 2 Tadka mix - Mustard seeds - 1 tsp Cumin seeds - 1 tsp Urad daal - 1/2 tsp Chana daal - 1/2 tsp Fenugreek seeds - 1/4 tsp Cinnamon stick or powder - 1/4 tsp powder or 1 stick Oil to cook Method Heat oil in large wok or kadai and add tadka miz=x one by one. At this time also add cashew if you want to Soon add the ginger paste and chopped green chili followed by chopped onion. Cook onions till they turn pinkish and glossy Add turmeric, corriander powder followed by chopped tomatoes. Cook the entire mix till tomatoes are mushy.  Gently add cooked rice and salt and cover the lid. Cook on very low heat so that...

Homemade Diwali Diyas From Dough

HA P PY DI W AL I ! !! ! This year for Diwali I made diyas [Diwali lights] at home!! They came out pretty nice ! I prepared it very simple but you can get creative by painting, glue small mirrors , beads and other stuff. Here is how I prepared: Ingredients: Whole wheat flour Water-just enough to prepare the dough Food color - yellow [optional] Method: Pre-heat oven at 200 degree Fahrenheit. Line the baking tray/dish with un-greased foil Combine flour, water and color in a bowl to prepare little stiff dough Pinch out small balls from the dough and shape it into diyas Bake it in the oven for 20 minutes [during the process I gradually increased the baking temperature to 300] Cool diyas at room temperature The diyas should feel little hard, if not just leave it in the sun Roll out some cotton wool to make wick, add some oil and light your Diya !!! Tips: While preparing the dough you can add some fresh petals to add beautiful pattern During baking, one of my...