30. Tucker Goodrich: How Seed Oils Oxidise Cardiolipin and Damage Your Mitochondria
Jun 16, 2023
01:51:54
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Quick takeaways
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a common thread in chronic diseases, influenced by the fatty acids we consume.
Cardiolipin, a molecule in mitochondria, can be damaged by excessive linoleic acid, leading to compromised energy production.
Fats in the diet affect mitochondrial function and vulnerability, varying by tissue and organ.
Minimizing linoleic acid intake and prioritizing healthier fat sources supports stable mitochondrial structure and energy production.
Deep dives
Mitochondria: The Powerhouse of Disease
Mitochondria are essential for energy production, but they also play a critical role in many aspects of health and disease. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a common thread in chronic diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's. The structure and function of mitochondria are influenced by the fatty acids we consume, particularly polyunsaturated fats like linoleic acid. When the balance of these fats in the mitochondria is disrupted, it can lead to oxidative stress and damage, compromising the energy production process. Linoleic acid, if not regulated properly, can react with other fats in the mitochondria, leading to auto-oxidation and the release of toxins. This mitochondrial dysfunction can trigger various cell death processes, such as apoptosis and necrosis, causing health issues. It is crucial to maintain a proper balance of fatty acids and minimize the intake of vulnerable fats to support healthy mitochondrial function and prevent chronic diseases.
Cardiolipin: The Key Player
Cardiolipin, a unique molecule found in the mitochondria, plays a vital role in energy production and structure maintenance. Its composition depends on the fats available in the cell, which can vary depending on the tissue and diet. Linoleic acid, an omega-6 polyunsaturated fat commonly found in vegetable oils, can be incorporated into cardiolipin, but an excess of linoleic acid increases the susceptibility to oxidation and damage. Oxidized cardiolipin triggers uncoupling of mitochondria, compromising their energy production and potentially leading to further cellular dysfunction. The excessive presence of oxidized cardiolipin can also provoke an autoimmune response, such as antiphospholipid syndrome, as the body perceives these molecules as signs of bacterial infection. Maintaining a balanced intake of fatty acids, avoiding excessive linoleic acid, and focusing on healthier fats can help preserve the integrity of cardiolipin and mitochondrial function.
Evolutionary Perspective: Dietary Fat Composition
Throughout evolution, humans have consumed a variety of fats depending on their environment. The composition of fats in the diet and its impact on mitochondrial function can vary depending on the tissue or organ. For example, heart tissue typically contains higher levels of linoleic acid in cardiolipin, while brain tissue tends to have lower levels. The balance of specific fatty acids, such as linoleic acid and oleic acid, influences the susceptibility of cardiolipin and mitochondrial membranes to oxidation and damage. Experimental studies on animals and postmortem data on human brain tissues suggest that diet can influence the composition and vulnerability of these essential structures. Understanding the evolutionary perspective of fat consumption and its influence on mitochondrial health can provide insights into maintaining proper fat balance and mitigating chronic disease risks.
Protecting Mitochondrial Function through Dietary Choices
Optimizing mitochondrial function requires conscious dietary choices. Minimizing the consumption of polyunsaturated fats like linoleic acid often found in vegetable oils can reduce the risk of oxidative damage to cardiolipin and mitochondria. Instead, focusing on healthier fat sources, such as saturated and monounsaturated fats, supports more stable mitochondrial structure and energy production. It is crucial to maintain a diverse and balanced fat intake while prioritizing fats that are less prone to oxidation. Additionally, avoiding excessive linoleic acid intake and embracing more natural sources of fats can help preserve mitochondrial health and mitigate the risks of chronic diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.
Reducing Linoleic Acid Intake and Cardiolipin Oxidation
Reducing linoleic acid intake from refined food products and seed oils such as canola, soy, and corn can decrease cardiolipin oxidation in mitochondria and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases.
Markers of HNE Mediation and Its Impact on Health
The chemical HNE (hydroxy-nonanol) is produced by the oxidation of linoleic acid and cardiolipin in the body and serves as a marker and mediator of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage. Increased levels of HNE are linked with inflammation, altered protein structure, and dysfunction of the energy production system.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Obesity, and Seed Oils
Excess intake of seed oils, high in linoleic acid, can contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction and obesity. Low intensity exercise, particularly when performed in a fasted state, can promote the burning of stored linoleic acid in adipose tissue, aiding in its reduction and potential reversal of adipose tissue pain.
Tucker Goodrich and I explore sub-cellular mechanisms by which seed oils are damaging your health. We cover mitochondrial bio-energetic aetiology of disease, linoleic acid and oxidation of mitochondrial cardiolipin, how seed oils contribute to visceral fat, Tucker’s opinion on Dr Jack Kruse’s work and much, much more.
This is quite a technical discussion with emphasis on the exact mechanisms of see oil harm. If you’re just learning about how seed oils damage health, I suggest listening to my first podcast with Tucker (RHP #12) for an introduction.
Tucker is a financial risk analyst, self-taught engineer and citizen scientist who is a world expert in the the biochemistry of seed oils and their impact on human health.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00:00 Podcast begins
00:02:05 The function of mitochondria
00:07:05 Process of hypothesis disproving in the pursuit of science
00:10:42 Understanding mitochondrial dysfunction and the bioenergetic aetiology of disease
00:29:40 What is cardiolipin?
00:35:50 Dr Max’s summary of the first part of the interview
00:39:50 Types of fatty acids and susceptibilities to oxidation
00:53:09 Mitochondrial uncoupling, and Dr Max summarises the first hour
00:58:42 What amount of linoleic acid is appropriate in cardiolipin?
01:05:22 The role of 4-HNE as a marker of damage from seed oils
01:12:30 4-HNE and visceral fat
01:27:31 Tucker’s opinion on Dr Jack Kruse’s work
01:37:43 How to excrete excess linoleic acid from the body
01:47:05 Smoking a cigarette is preferable to eating seed-oil french fries?
LINKS
Minding My Mitochondria by Dr Terry Wahls - https://www.amazon.com/Minding-Mitochondria-2nd-progressive-wheelchair/dp/0982175086
A Mitochondrial Etiology of Common Complex Diseases by Dr Doug Wallace - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aCHrHwm_AI
Recommended by Tucker & Dr Max the works of Nassim Nicholas Taleb – Antifragile, The Black Swan, Fooled By Randomness, Skin in the Game
