America’s most widely consumed cooking oil may cause genetic changes in the brain : The Hearty Soul

According to a recent animal study from the University of California Riverside, soybean oil, the most widely consumed edible oil in the United States, could lead to obesity and diabetes. The study found that soybean oil could also impact neurological conditions like autism, Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, and depression. The researchers discovered that soybean oil has pronounced effects on a small region of the brain called the hypothalamus, impacting genes responsible for producing oxytocin, the “love” hormone, and approximately one hundred other genes. While soybean oil contains primarily polyunsaturated fat, providing essential fatty acids and lowering overall cholesterol levels, it is higher in omega-6 than many other plant oils, leading to potential inflammation if consumed in excess. While studies on mice have shown negative effects of soybean oil consumption, it is yet to be determined whether these effects will translate to humans. UCR toxicologist Frances Sladek suggests decreasing soybean oil intake and switching to alternative oils such as coconut oil.