Scientists at the University of California, Riverside studied soybean oil and published results in the Journal of Lipid Research. In the experiment, most mice on a high-fat soybean oil diet gained weight. A group of genetically engineered mice did not gain weight on the same diet.
The engineered mice made a different form of a liver protein called HNF4α. In humans, this alternate form usually appears during chronic illness or metabolic stress such as fasting or alcoholic fatty liver. The engineered animals had fewer oxylipins in their livers. Oxylipins come from linoleic acid and are linked to inflammation and fat.
Soybean oil use rose five-fold from about 2% to nearly 10% of calories. The team also saw higher cholesterol in mice and has no human trials planned.
Difficult words
- soybean oil — oil from soybean seeds used for cooking
- engineered — change genes to give new properties
- oxylipins — molecules made from fats linked to inflammation
- linoleic acid — a common fat found in many vegetable oils
- inflammation — body reaction that causes redness and swelling
- chronic — lasting a long time or happening often
- cholesterol — a fat in blood that affects heart health
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you eat less food with a lot of soybean oil? Why or why not?
- Do you know foods that have a lot of soybean oil? Name one.
- Have you ever fasted? How did your body feel?
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