Can seed oils, ultra-processed foods cause colorectal cancer? New study outlines the effects of an unhealthy diet

Burgers, chips and carbonated drinks are staples of a delicious, classic American meal.

But, all these foods are also examples of ultra-processed food, which researchers have once again proven are detrimental to an individual’s health.

Researchers at the University of South Florida and the Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute say that chronic inflammation caused by ultra-processed foods and an overabundance of certain fatty acids can drive tumor growth and result in colorectal cancer, the second most common cause of cancer deaths, according to the American Cancer Society.

In short, an unhealthy diet can affect the growth and progression of colorectal cancer, according to the study.

Researchers found traces of lipids, or unhealthy fats, in 162 tumor samples from patients at Tampa General Hospital. Lipids can be found in unhealthy oils, like canola oil.

“Our bodies are designed to actively resolve inflammation through bioactive lipid compounds derived from the healthy fats, like avocados, that we consume,” said Ganesh Halade, associate professor in the USF Health Heart Institute and member of the Cancer Biology Program at TGH Cancer Institute. “Bioactive lipids are very small molecules derived from the foods that we eat and, if the molecules are coming from processed food products, they directly imbalances the immune system and drives chronic inflammation.”

Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Moffitt Cancer Center and four others contributed to the study, which was published in “Gut” a leading international journal in gastroenterology and hepatology.

Can seed oils cause cancer?

Following the publication of the University of South Florida study, this question has resurfaced. But, rest assured, cooking oils themselves will not cause cancer.

Timothy Yeatman, professor of surgery at the University of South Florida and Tampa General Hospital’s Cancer Institute told TODAY.com that he has concerns about the high consumption of seed oils, especially from ultra-processed foods. However, the results don’t show that cooking oils cause cancer.

What does ‘ultra-processed’ mean?

Ultra-processed foods will have added ingredients like sugar, salt, fat, and artificial colors or preservatives, according to Harvard Health. These foods may also contain additives like artificial colors, flavors or stabilizers.

Ultra-processed foods are readily available in American grocery stores. Examples include everything from sweetened breakfast cereals to frozen meals to energy drinks.

What are examples of seed oils?

Seed oils can be used in cooking and baking, or they can be added to processed products to increase shelf life. Examples of common seed oils include Canola corn, sunflower, pumpkin seed, chia seed, sesame and peanut oils, according to the Mayo Clinic.

What are alternatives to seed oils?

For cooking, the Mayo Clinic recommends replacing seed oils with butter or coconut oil.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Study: Seed oils, ultra-processed food heighten colorectal cancer risk