Do Seed/Vegetable Oils Cause Autism?
Seed oils are extracted from the seeds of plants, such as sunflower, soybean, and corn.
They are commonly used in cooking and food processing because they are inexpensive and have a high smoke point.
However, seed oils are also high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can cause inflammation in the body when consumed in excess.
Inflammation has been linked to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Some researchers have also suggested that inflammation may play a role in the development of autism.
Soybean oil is found to be cause genetic changes in the brain. New UC Riverside research shows soybean oil not only leads to obesity and diabetes, but could also affect neurological conditions like autism, anxiety, Alzheimer's disease, and depression.
This has led to the hypothesis that consuming large amounts of seed oils may increase the risk of autism.
One study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2019 found a possible link between maternal consumption of seed oils and an increased risk of autism in their offspring. The study looked at data from over 35,000 women who reported their diet during pregnancy and their children's autism status.
The researchers found that women who consumed the highest amount of seed oils had a 34% higher risk of having a child with autism compared to women who consumed the lowest amount.
However, it's important to note that this study only found a correlation between seed oil consumption and autism risk. Correlation does not prove causation, and there may be other factors at play that could explain the association.
Another study published in the journal Molecular Autism in 2017 found that mice fed a diet high in omega-6 fatty acids had behavioral and neurological changes that were similar to those seen in autism. However, this study was conducted on mice, and it's unclear whether the findings would apply to humans.
How Seed Oils Can Cause Autism and Other Disorders
Seed oils have been linked to a variety of health problems, including autism and other neurological disorders. One theory is that the high levels of omega-6 fatty acids in seed oils can disrupt the balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the body, leading to chronic inflammation.
Chronic inflammation has been linked to a number of health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. When inflammation occurs in the brain, it can cause damage to neurons and disrupt normal brain function.
Studies have shown that children with autism often have higher levels of inflammation in their brains than children without the disorder. Inflammation has also been linked to other neurological disorders such as ADHD and depression.
Consuming large amounts of seed oils may increase the risk of these disorders by promoting chronic inflammation in the body. To reduce this risk, it's recommended to limit consumption of seed oils and instead consume more foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, nuts and seeds.
In addition to reducing the risk of neurological disorders, consuming a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids has also been shown to have a wide range of other health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke, improving cognitive function, and reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
The Risks of Consuming Seed Oils Beyond Autism
While the link between seed oils and autism is still being researched, there are other potential risks associated with consuming large amounts of these oils. As mentioned earlier, seed oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can cause inflammation in the body when consumed in excess.
Inflammation has been linked to a variety of health problems beyond autism, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. In fact, some studies have suggested that a diet high in omega-6 fatty acids may increase the risk of heart disease.
Additionally, many seed oils are highly processed and may contain harmful additives. For example, some vegetable oils may be partially hydrogenated to increase their shelf life, which creates trans fats that have been shown to increase the risk of heart disease.
Not all seed oils are created equal. Some types, such as olive oil and avocado oil, are higher in monounsaturated fats and lower in omega-6 fatty acids than other seed oils like soybean or corn oil. These healthier options may provide some health benefits when consumed in moderation.
Overall, it's important to be mindful of what you consume. Try your best to completely eliminate all seed oils from your diet so you can thrive.
Signs Of Inflammation From Seed Oils
Consuming seed oils in excess can cause inflammation in the body, which has been linked to a variety of health problems. Here are some signs that you may be experiencing inflammation:
- Redness or swelling in the body
- Joint pain or stiffness
- Digestive issues such as bloating or diarrhea
- Fatigue or low energy levels
- Skin rashes or acne
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan. In addition to limiting your consumption of seed oils, incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fatty fish may help reduce inflammation and promote overall health.
Summary
Overall, the research on the link between seed oils and autism is still in its early stages, and more studies are needed to fully understand the relationship. It's important to keep in mind that seed oils are not inherently bad and can be part of a healthy diet in moderation. The key is to consume them in balance with other types of fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and nuts.
In conclusion, while there is some evidence to suggest that consuming large amounts of seed oils may increase the risk of autism, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship. It's important to maintain a balanced diet and consult with a healthcare professional before making any major dietary changes.