Dietitian Nuria Dianova has urged Russians to stop demonising classic sunflower oil, stating that its omega-6 fatty acid content does not cause cancer.
Speaking to Russian news website Lenta.ru, Dianova addressed viral reports claiming that everyday cooking oil is harmful to human health.
Dianova, a gastroenterologist and executive director of the Healthy Nutrition Research Center, stated that online warnings labelling regular sunflower oil as a poison were a severe simplification bordering on disinformation. She urged the public not to succumb to what she described as mass hysteria surrounding the popular kitchen staple.
Social media misinformation
The expert's comments come after several months of widespread social media posts alleging that traditional sunflower oil causes chronic inflammation and cancer due to high levels of omega-6. Sunflower oil is the primary cooking oil consumed across Russia, widely used for frying, baking, and salad dressings.
Dianova stressed that the fundamental health problem stems from overall dietary choices rather than the oil itself. While chronic inflammation is indeed linked to an excess of omega-6 fatty acids, she explained that this metabolic imbalance is created by diets high in fast food, potato chips, and processed convenience foods.
She emphasized that the presence of omega-6 in vegetable oil does not make the product intrinsically harmful. Omega-6 is an essential fatty acid that the human body cannot synthesize on its own, making dietary intake necessary for survival.
Processed food and health risks
According to Dianova, omega-6 fatty acids perform several crucial biological functions. She noted that omega-6 helps lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, often called bad cholesterol, while protecting blood vessels from structural damage. Furthermore, it supports immune system function and helps the body regulate internal inflammatory processes.
Dianova also pointed out that the public demonisation of traditional cooking oil serves commercial interests. She argued that targeting affordable options helps market more expensive alternative oils to consumers seeking healthier dietary choices.
Nutritional benefits and market alternatives
Beyond essential fatty acids, regular sunflower oil remains one of the most accessible sources of vitamin E, a powerful fat-soluble antioxidant that protects body cells from oxidative damage and premature ageing.
The specialist added that sunflower oil contains vitamin K, which is essential for proper blood clotting and bone health, as well as magnesium, a mineral that aids in preventing elevated blood pressure.
Recommendations for morning meals
Dianova previously shared guidance on optimal breakfast choices for maintaining daily health. In those recommendations, she advised consumers to choose whole grain foods for their morning meal to support digestion and maintain steady energy levels.
