How Soybean Oil Changed American Health: A 20th Century Review
Dr. Kumar’s Take:
Over the 20th century, the American diet shifted dramatically — mostly because of a massive rise in soybean oil. This study shows that linoleic acid (an omega-6 fat) increased over 1000-fold, crowding out healthier omega-3 fats like EPA and DHA in our bodies. If you want to improve your tissue omega-3 levels, a big step is to lower your intake of seed oils like soybean oil.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Soybean oil consumption increased by more than 1000 times between 1909 and 1999.
✔ Linoleic acid intake rose from 2.79% to 7.21% of daily calories, driving down omega-3 levels in body tissues.
✔ The omega-3 index, a marker for heart health, dropped nearly in half over the century.