Study finds seed oils linked to better health outcomes

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that consuming plant-based oils, including seed oils, is linked to better health outcomes compared to eating butter. This topic has been debated in nutrition circles, especially with some people advocating for saturated fats as a healthier option. Researchers examined the dietary habits of over 220,000 adults, using data from the long-running Nurse’s Health Study that began in 1976. They looked at the amounts of butter and different plant-based oils that participants consumed over about 30 years. The oils studied included safflower, soybean, corn, canola, and olive oils. The findings indicated that people who consumed the most butter had a 12% higher risk of developing cancer and a 15% higher risk of death from any cause. In contrast, those who consumed more plant-based oils had a 16% lower overall mortality risk, a 6% lower risk of death from heart disease, and an 11% lower risk of cancer. Furthermore, replacing just a small amount of butter with plant-based oil was associated with reduced cancer deaths and overall mortality. However, the study has limitations. It is challenging to determine direct links between diet and health outcomes because researchers rely on participants to self-report their food intake, which may not always be accurate. Additionally, people who eat more butter might also engage in other unhealthy behaviors that could affect their health. All participants in the study were nurses, raising questions about how representative they are of the general population. Despite these flaws, many dietitians agree that a diet high in saturated fats may be linked to increased health risks, suggesting a balanced diet with both unsaturated and some saturated fats could be healthier. In summary, moderation seems key. Favoring healthier fats like those found in seed oils while still allowing for some butter may promote better health outcomes.