The question of whether corn oil is bad for you or not is a very controversial subject. While some experts have pointed out the possibility of increased cholesterol levels and heart disease, others argue that the polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) in corn oil are important for a healthy brain, as well as for the communications of the human body’s cells. However, others say that the PUFAs in corn oil are harmful to wildlife and ecosystems, and that their consumption increases the body’s caloric intake and can lead to obesity.
Increased “bad” LDL cholesterol
Corn oil has been around for a while, but it’s only recently that the pros and cons of using this product have been revealed. Not only is it used in many foods, it has a variety of industrial uses as well.
As far as uses go, it’s probably best known for its use in frying. Its high smoke point makes it ideal for cooking. In the past, corn oil has been a subject of controversy, as it has been shown to contribute to an unhealthy omega-3 to omega-6 ratio.
For example, one study found that corn oil contained four times more plant sterols than olive oil. These fats are known to reduce bad cholesterol while raising good cholesterol. This is good news for those with heart disease, as elevated LDL levels are a common risk factor.
The same study also found that corn oil had a more than ten-fold increase in the amount of vitamin E. Vitamin E is a known anti-oxidant and may offer health benefits of its own.
Another tidbit is that corn oil is used to make fuel for diesel and gasoline engines. However, if you’re looking for an alternative, try coconut oil. Aside from its health benefits, its use in fried foods is not the best idea. Having too much cholesterol in your system can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions.
Lastly, a new study looked at the data from the Minnesota Coronary Experiment. This is a randomized controlled trial that followed a group of 54 healthy individuals. While the results weren’t conclusive, the study did reveal that consuming corn oil helped lower the “good” cholesterol while boosting the “bad” cholesterol. Fortunately, the study was funded by ACH Food Cos.
With the amount of research and hype surrounding corn oil, it’s important to know all the ins and outs before you decide to invest in this highly refined fat. To learn more about corn oil, see our article on the pros and cons of using it in the kitchen.
Higher caloric intake
Corn oil is an edible product that is commonly used for cooking and industrial purposes. It is also included in many cosmetic products. Although corn oil does have some healthy properties, there is no doubt that it contains plenty of calories, so be sure to use it sparingly.
Corn oil is a refined vegetable oil with a number of health claims to make. It contains some important ingredients, such as flavonoids, antioxidants and vitamin E, which may help boost cardiovascular and immune function. The corn oil craze has been a boon to the industry, but its impact on human health is less than clear.
Corn oil is a highly processed product, and it must undergo a plethora of chemical processes to make it edible. This makes it a hazard to consume in large quantities. In addition to its calorie content, it is also a good source of omega-6 fats, which can cause inflammation.
While it’s not exactly clear what happens when you consume too much of the stuff, the most recent study found that it could increase your risk of heart disease by a factor of two. Besides, it might be a good idea to steer clear of corn oil as it has been linked to obesity.
There’s no proof that corn oil can ward off a heart attack, but it can help lower your cholesterol. Fortunately, it’s not too hard to avoid. If you’re worried about the calorie count of your favorite fried foods, try switching to a healthier oil such as extra virgin olive oil. Alternatively, if you prefer your fries to be crunchy, opt for coconut oil.
If you’re looking for the corn oil with the best health benefits, be sure to consult a qualified physician before making any dietary choices. Some research suggests that corn oil is safe to consume, but be wary of those that contain GMO corn. As with all foods, check with the Non-GMO Project to ensure you’re buying a true non-GMO product.
Considering the plethora of health and wellness options out there, it’s a good idea to consider all factors before deciding what to eat.
PUFAs essential for brain cell communications
Omega-3 long-chain fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) play an important role in the development and maturation of the brain. These PUFAs are critical for the refinement of synaptic connections and behavioral adaptation to an environment. They are also potent general cellular modulators. Several psychiatric disorders have been linked to n-3 PUFA deficiency.
The n-3 PUFA index has been used as a biomarker for neurodevelopmental diseases. It measures n-3 PUFAs in erythrocytes. In addition, it has been used as a biomarker of cardiovascular diseases. However, the etiology of these disorders remains to be elucidated. Nevertheless, it is clear that n-3 PUFA deficiency alters the neuronal morphology in offspring CA1 and microglial phagocytic capacity.
Microglia are resident immune cells that play an important role in the CNS. Their function includes phagocytosis of synaptic material. To study the effect of n-3 PUFA deficiency on microglial phagocytosis, CD11b+ microglial cells were isolated in primary cultures and exposed to n-3 PUFAs. After incubation, their phagocytic activity was assessed by a pHrodo-labeled synaptosomes phagocytosis assay.
Microglia are involved in the maturation of the brain and play a central role in the processing of data and signal transmission. Neurons are composed of high proportions of LC-PUFAs. Although the fatty acid composition of n-3 PUFAs has been shown to be essential for the development of neurons, the exact mechanisms by which n-3 PUFAs affect the nervous system remain unknown.
Maternal dietary n-3 PUFA deficiency has been associated with cognitive deficits in offspring. The pathophysiology of these alterations may be linked to inadequate bioavailability of n-3 PUFA in the hippocampus.
A recent cross-sectional Norwegian study has shown that fish consumption was dose-dependent in enhancing cognition. Interestingly, it appears that lean fish is at least as effective as fatty fish. This suggests that other substances than o-3 PUFA were decisive.
Although there is no direct link between n-3 PUFAs and cognitive impairment, the n-3 PUFA index can be a useful biomarker for neurodevelopmental disorders. Consequently, maternal n-3 PUFA deficiency should be avoided during pregnancy. Moreover, it is also possible that n-3 PUFA deficiency during childhood may contribute to the development of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Harmful to wildlife and ecosystems
Pollution is one of the greatest threats to wildlife and ecosystems worldwide. It affects biodiversity and climatic change. In addition, it is also a major source of health problems. Many types of pollutants are emitted into the environment by industrial and domestic activities. Some are even accumulated in the body of wild animals.
The most common source of pollution is solid waste. This is often found in rivers and oceans. These trashes are carried by currents and can become toxic. They pose a hazard to fish, birds and mammals.
Another major source of pollution is fossil fuels. When burned, these fuels create large amounts of greenhouse gases. They can also damage the ozone layer. An ozone hole can lead to skin cancer in wildlife.
Deforestation and habitat loss are two other major factors that threaten the world’s biodiversity. They can result in the loss of complete ecosystems.
Chemical output from the world has soared in recent decades. This includes a rise in the use of pesticides. Pesticides negatively affect freshwater biodiversity, farmland bird populations and the ecosystem. Animal agriculture contributes to pollution, too.
Oil spills are another source of toxicity. They kill marine life and decrease the insulation properties of animals. Furthermore, many household products contain toxic metals, which can be emitted into the environment.
Noise pollution can disrupt migration and hunting. Several species are endangered due to this type of pollution.
Air pollution can be dangerous to birds, because it damages the lungs. Acid rain can harm fish and plants. Carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere, which can also affect the climate.
Biodiversity has been in balance for millions of years. However, humans have taken a “free-take” approach to nature that has caused habitat degradation and depleted natural resources. Consequently, more than half of the world’s biodiversity has been lost in recent years.
Although we may not be able to reverse all of the environmental damage we cause, we can do our part to curb these threatening issues. We can reduce our use of fossil fuels, recycle our waste, and support local environmental groups.
