Reducing processed foods should reduce exposure to omega-6 fats from which source?

• A. Dairy products
• B. Vegetable oils
• C. Meat
• D. Fruit

Answer: (B)

When you reduce processed foods, you lower intake of fats added during manufacturing, especially omega-6 fats from vegetable oils used for frying, baking, and as ingredients. These oils—corn, soybean, sunflower, and similar fats—are widespread in processed snacks, packaged foods, and fast foods, so they are a major source of omega-6 exposure in the typical diet. Dairy products, meat, and fruit contain omega-6 fats too, but not to the same extent as the fats from vegetable oils used in processing. Fruits are generally very low in fat, and while meat and dairy contribute fats, the processing-driven omega-6 exposure mostly comes from vegetable oils. Therefore, reducing processed foods most effectively reduces omega-6 exposure from vegetable oils.