Popular cooking oils may be causing an increase in colon cancer cases, according to a new study led by the US government. So far, evidence linking cooking oil to colon cancer has been inconclusive. But this new study published in the journal
Gut looked into “seed” oils (sunflower, grapeseed, canola and corn) after examining the tumors of more than 80 people with colon cancer, aged 30 to 85.
Oils that promote inflammation
So, this time the researchers found that the tumors had increased levels of bioactive lipids. These small oily molecules are produced when the body metabolizes seed oils, compared to healthier fats. However, according to their observations, these molecules have two effects:
- On the one hand, they increase chronic inflammation in the body (a key factor in the development of many cancers).
- On the other hand, they hinder the body’s natural healing processes.
Two conditions which, when combined, favor the appearance of tumors.
A possible explanation for too many colon cancers
For scientists, these worrying results could be one of the reasons for the increase in cases of colon cancer among young adults. As a reminder, according to a recent study published in the journal
JAMAcolorectal cancer will very soon be the leading cause of cancer death in the 20-49 age group.
“Cancer acts like a chronic wound that does not heal. If your body is constantly exposed to ultra-processed foods, high in added sugars, saturated fats and inflammatory seed oils, your ability to heal that wound is reduced. This promotes inflammation and suppresses the immune system, allowing cancer to grow.” relates Dr. Timothy Yeatman, associate director of the Center for Translational Research and Innovation at TGH Cancer Institute, in
The Independent.
However, two pieces of information are reassuring at the end of this study:
- Moderate consumption of seed oils as part of a balanced diet has not been shown to cause cancer.
- Oils rich in omega-3 fatty acids, found in avocados and olives, provide a healthy alternative, researchers say.