Summary
A study from the University of California, Riverside found that soybean oil, a popular cooking oil in the U.S., might be linked to obesity in mice. Researchers explored how a type of fat in soybean oil, linoleic acid, turns into molecules that could contribute to weight gain. The study suggests more research is needed to understand its effects on human health.
Key Facts
- Soybean oil is the most commonly used cooking oil in the U.S.
- The study examined the effects of linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid in soybean oil.
- Mice fed with a high-fat soybean oil diet showed weight gain.
- Linoleic acid turns into molecules called oxylipins, which may cause obesity.
- A modified group of mice with different liver genes gained less weight.
- American diets have increased linoleic acid consumption significantly over 50 years.
- The study suggests more research is needed to understand soybean oil's impact on humans.
