>>22842366 Myth: Omega-6 causes inflammation and heart disease.
This is a misrepresentation of research. While omega-6 fatty acids can be involved in inflammatory pathways, they also have anti-inflammatory roles, and their net effect in the body is not inherently pro-inflammatory when consumed in a balanced diet.
Studies & Meta-analyses (AHA, NIH, BMJ, etc.) show:
Replacing saturated fat with PUFAs, including omega-6, reduces LDL cholesterol and lowers heart disease risk.
The American Heart Association recommends PUFAs for cardiovascular health.
A 2014 meta-analysis in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found no evidence that higher omega-6 intake increases inflammation in healthy people.
Conclusion: There is no strong evidence that omega-6 from seed oils causes heart disease or systemic inflammation in humans.
Myth: The French Paradox proves saturated fat is harmless.
This overlooks lifestyle and dietary context:
The French eat smaller portions, more fresh produce, drink red wine (with antioxidants), and consume less processed food.
Their total calorie intake and smoking rates have historically differed as well.
Newer large cohort studies (e.g. PURE study, 2017) suggest that context matters — but this does not vindicate high saturated fat intake, especially from ultra-processed sources.
Conclusion: The "French Paradox" doesn’t prove saturated fat is healthy — it just shows that diet and health are multifactorial, and correlation ≠ causation.
