There's nothing monotonous about monounsaturated fats
We're continually deepening our understanding of how your body works. One recent insight reveals that your T-cells, which manage your immune responses, are changed depending on the kind of fats you eat.
Research published in Nature found that a lower ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) in your diet makes T-cells more resilient and resistant to cell death. That means they're more able to protect you from infection and they are less likely to cause body-wide inflammation. In contrast, an overload of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can weaken your immune response and make you more vulnerable to infection and tumors. It can also promote constriction of blood vessels and up your risk of blood clots.
Soybean, corn, sunflower, and safflower oils contain high levels of PUFAs -- and because they're used in great abundance in processed foods, the amount of PUFAs compared to MUFAs in the American diet is severely out of whack.
Now, don't stop enjoying PUFA- and MUFA-containing soybeans or fatty fish like wild salmon, ocean trout, sardines and anchovies, which have a good ratio of the two unsaturated fats. Just don't eat PUFA-containing foods that are fried or highly processed.
MUFAs are found in olive oil, olives, avocado, and canola, peanut, and sesame oil, and, as I said, fatty fish. Nuts such as cashews, almonds, pistachios, macadamia, and hazelnuts and flax and sesame seeds are also loaded with MUFAs.
For even more ways to protect your heart health, immune strength and fight cancers, sign in to the AI coaching program at 4YOUngevity.com.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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