July 2018 Nutrition Newsletter

July 1, 2018

New research suggests that fat cells can be altered by the fatty acid

palmitic acid (found in palm oil, dairy products, and meat) and

tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), a hormone associated

with inflammation.

Cells that have not fully matured are known as “precursor”

cells. These cells have the potential to become muscle, fat, or

other cells. When exposed to palmitic acid and TNF-alpha,

they become dysfunctional fat cells later in life.

TNF-alpha is a pro-inflammatory hormone that is elevated

with illness. A healthful diet and lifestyle may stave off production

of pro-inflammatory fat cells and precursor cells may have a

chance to become healthy tissue.

By Lisa Andrews, MEd, RD, LD