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Episode Description
- Linoleic acid (LA), a ubiquitous omega-6 fat in Western diets, may directly influence aggressive cancer growth by activating specific cellular pathways, according to recent animal research
- High levels of LA, found predominantly in ultraprocessed foods, vegetable oils, and many packaged snacks, may contribute to cancer risk
- The research shows that triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells in animal models thrive on LA because it appears to trigger mTOR signaling, a pathway linked to rapid tumor growth
- To support cellular health, consider reducing your daily LA intake by less than 5 grams per day by limiting ultraprocessed foods, nuts, seeds, and conventionally raised meats
- Swapping high-LA foods for more stable, healthier fats and targeted carbohydrates may support energy production and may help lower the inflammatory load that research associates with cancer progression