In an article just published in the journal PLoS One (the journal of the Public Library of Science),  the authors describe an experiment conducted to determine if increased consumption of soybean oil (which is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids), and/or fructose,  might be contributing to the obesity epidemic in the U.S.

Four groups of mice were fed the same amount of calories for up to 35 weeks; however, one group was fed a high fat diet with both coconut and soybean oil; one group got its fat only from coconut oil; one group was fed a diet high in fructose and soybean oil; and the last group was fed a diet high in fructose.

By the end of the study, the soybean/coconut mice experienced a significant increase in weight gain, fatty tissue, diabetes, glucose intolerance, and insulin resistance.  They also developed fatty liver, impaired liver function, and stimulation of genes involved in obesity, diabetes, inflammation, and cancer.

The mice who received the coconut oil alone did show an increase in spleen weight; however, the medium-chain triglycerides (MCT’s) in the coconut oil proved to be anti-obesogenic (i.e. discourage obesity), and anti-inflammatory, and increased insulin sensitivity.

The high fructose-intake group showed some increase in obesity, but less than the soybean group. They did, however, show a dramatically increased incidence of rectal prolapse (!), which can be related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). [Therefore, if you suffer from IBS, elimination of fructose would probably be a good idea!]

The fructose plus soybean oil group showed an increase in kidney weight along with the previously mentioned increase in rectal prolapse.

All “food for thought”!  Soybean oil is everywhere – once you start to read labels, this will become extremely evident. So, once again, the best policy is undoubtedly to eat real food, from single ingredients, prepared at home – and avoid the fructose and soybean oil (which are found mostly in processed foods).  Also, consider adding a high-quality organic coconut oil to your daily intake, such as Physician Nutrients™ 100% Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, available at www.PhysicianNutrients.com.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.