Study Reveals Seed Oils Could Lower Risk of Heart Disease and Diabetes
Study Reveals Seed Oils Could Lower Risk of Heart Disease and Diabetes
Seed oils have long been blamed for harming our health. From nutrition influencers to viral food reels, many have warned people to keep sunflower, canola, and sesame oils out of their kitchens. But a new study is challenging that claim, and it comes with science to back it.
Presented at the 2025 annual American Society for Nutrition meeting, the study focused on linoleic acid, a type of healthy fat found in many common seed oils. Researchers studied blood samples from nearly 1,900 people and found that those with higher levels of linoleic acid showed a lower risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Linoleic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid the body cannot produce alone. It must come from the food we eat. Seed oils are one of the richest sources of this nutrient. The study revealed that people with more linoleic acid in their blood also had lower levels of inflammation and better blood sugar control, two significant factors in reducing the risk of chronic disease.
What sets this research apart is its method. Instead of asking people what they ate, scientists measured actual blood markers. This gave them a clearer picture of how much linoleic acid was present in the body and how it was linked to health indicators. It is more substantial evidence than older studies based on food logs or memory-based surveys.
The research team also looked at markers for inflammation and how the body handles glucose. Across the board, higher linoleic acid levels matched up with healthier results.
For years, the fear around seed oils has spread quickly, especially online. Some claim they increase inflammation, damage cells, or even contribute to long-term illness. But this study suggests otherwise. It adds to growing evidence that when used in moderation, seed oils may support good health.
They are low in saturated fat and offer essential fats the body needs. This does not mean you should use them in excess, but it does mean there is no reason to fear them.
So, the next time you cook with sunflower oil or drizzle sesame oil on your salad, know this, the science now supports that it might actually be helping your heart and overall health more than you think.
