Researchers in Barcelona have discovered that a type of fat found in palm oil, known as palmitic acid, can increase the spread of certain cancers, specifically oral and melanoma skin cancers.
This finding was made by Professor Salvador Aznar-Benitah and his team and was published in the scientific journal Nature.
Palmitic acid is a common ingredient in many processed foods and is one of the main types of fat found in palm oil. The team’s research shows that this fatty acid can change the way cancer cells behave, making it more likely for the cancer to spread—a process known as metastasis.
Metastasis is often the deadliest phase of cancer because it involves the cancer moving from its original site to other parts of the body.
Interestingly, the study also looked at other fatty acids like oleic acid and linoleic acid, which are found in healthier foods like olive oil and flaxseeds. These fats did not promote cancer spread like palmitic acid did.
What makes palmitic acid particularly dangerous is its ability to alter the cancer’s genetic makeup. The researchers found that even a short exposure to palmitic acid could leave a lasting “memory” on cancer cells, making them more likely to spread even after the fatty acid was removed from the diet.
This memory is due to epigenetic changes, which are changes in how genes work without altering the actual DNA sequence.
These epigenetic changes help the cancer cells create a network of communication around the tumor, making it easier for the cancer to spread to new areas.
Recognizing the gravity of these findings, the research team is now working on developing treatments that could block these harmful effects of palmitic acid. They hope to start clinical trials soon to explore potential therapies for preventing metastasis in various types of cancer.
The researchers caution that it’s too early to recommend specific dietary changes for cancer patients. However, their findings suggest that diets low in palmitic acid might help slow down the spread of cancer. More research is needed to confirm this and to develop effective dietary guidelines for those at risk of metastasis.
This study highlights the significant impact diet can have on health, particularly in how certain types of fat can influence cancer progression. It also opens up new avenues for research into how changing one’s diet might contribute to cancer treatment strategies, potentially leading to more effective ways to combat the spread of this disease.
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