Early study suggests a link between cooking oil and colon cancer, possibly due to inflammation.

Researchers have revealed another potential reason to avoid ultraprocessed foods.

A recent study in the medical journal Gut has linked the use of seed oils, commonly found in processed, packaged foods, to an increased risk of colon cancer.

A study by researchers at the University of South Florida (USF) Health and Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute examined 162 tumor samples from colon cancer patients, as stated in a USF press release.

The study revealed that the tumors had an "abundance" of inflammatory molecules and a "deficiency" of healing molecules.

According to Dr. Timothy Yeatman, professor of surgery at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and associate center director for Translational Research and Innovation at the TGH Cancer Institute, it is widely accepted that patients who follow unhealthy diets experience higher levels of inflammation in their bodies.

"Inflammation in colon tumors is now visible, and cancer is a persistent injury that fails to heal. If your body relies on daily ultra-processed foods, its capacity to mend the injury decreases due to inflammation and immune system suppression, which ultimately enables cancer to proliferate."

"It is well-known that patients with unhealthy diets have increased inflammation in their bodies."

According to Yeatman, the Western diet has the potential to cause harm, as evidenced by the findings. He pointed out several culprits, including inflammatory seed oils, added sugars, saturated fats, ultra-processed foods, and chemicals.

The researcher stated that a human's immune system can be highly effective and have a significant impact on the tumor microenvironment, which is beneficial when utilized appropriately for health and wellness. However, it can be detrimental if it is suppressed by inflammatory lipids from processed foods.

An imbalanced diet was found to increase the risk of heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, and diabetes, according to prior studies by the same research team.

According to the source, the researchers suggest treating cancer with "resolution medicine," which involves using unprocessed foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fish oil derivatives to reverse inflammation.

In addition to regular exercise and balanced sleep, a balanced approach to medicine is crucial.

According to Yeatman, this has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment by moving beyond drugs and harnessing natural healing processes.

"Taking this step is crucial in managing chronic inflammation and reducing the risk of developing diseases."

The new USF study was funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Currently, TGH Cancer Institute is conducting clinical trials to investigate the effectiveness of resolution medicine in treating and preventing illness.

Planet Chronicle Digital reached out to the study researchers for comment.

Dietitians weigh in

Sherry Coleman Collins, a food allergy dietician and expert from the Atlanta metropolitan area, stated that she believes it is not accurate to assert that seed oils cause cancer.

An overwhelming body of scientific literature demonstrates the positive health benefits of replacing saturated fats (such as lard and butter) with unsaturated fats (like safflower oil), according to the expert.

According to her statement on Planet Chronicle Digital, this reduction in cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death in America, is substantial.

As we continue to better understand why colon cancer has been on the rise, and how diet impacts that increased rate, Collins stated, "It is something to watch."

The dietitian highlighted that seed oil isn't the only issue with ultraprocessed foods.

"Collins stated that these foods are typically high in sodium, fat, and sugar, but low in fiber and nutrients. Despite their delicious taste, they are high in calories and do not promote good health."

To minimize the risk of colon cancer, dementia, and other illnesses, Collins advises quitting smoking, moderating alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and consuming a diet rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Collins advises using olive oil in cooking, citing a substantial body of evidence supporting its use in a Mediterranean diet.

"Using extra-virgin olive oil in low-medium heat cooking is a great option due to its versatility and delicious taste, as well as its good fatty acid profile," she said to Planet Chronicle Digital.

"I prefer avocado and peanut oils for high-heat cooking due to their high smoke point, neutral taste, and beneficial fatty acid profiles."

Collins concurs with the researchers' suggestion to boost omega-6 fatty acid consumption, as the American diet is "inadequate."

Salmon, although it is a fatty fish, is not the best source of these nutrients. While they can also be found in some nuts and seeds, such as walnuts and chia, they are not as bioavailable or absorbable as those from fish.

A Canadian nephrologist (kidney specialist), Jason Fung, pointed out that the research is "not conclusive and requires further investigation."

"Why take a chance?"

According to the hypothesis, consuming excessive amounts of seed oils leads to an excess of omega 6 fats, which are pro-inflammatory, and inflammation can play a significant role in cancer development.

"It's an interesting and plausible hypothesis, but not definitive."

For more Health articles, visit planetchronicle.net/health

Fung confirmed that he does not store any seed oils at home.

"At home, I stick to using olive oil and butter in my cooking. What's the point of taking risks?"