Neurons, or nerve cells, are fundamental units of the brain and nervous system. They transmit information throughout the body via electrical and chemical signals. They control sensations, movement and other functions. Over all their job is to relay information between the brain cells and to communicate with every cell in the body.

Over the years, I have learned from Dr. Joseph Mercola that many seed oils are bad for our health because of the linoleic acids in them. Unfortunately, they are prevalent in almost all of the processed foods. This excess is killing neurons by the millions every day for the average American and is contributing to dementia and Alzheimer’s in the American population in a major way as well.

However, these oils are useful in a healthy diet if not overheated or overly consumed, which is a fundamental problem with the typical American diet. Balance is the key.

Dr. Joseph Mercola, who has one of the most popular alternative health websites, states that foods processed with oils high in linoleic acid (LA)—often seed oils like soybean, corn, and safflower—are often killing neurons. He shares that these oils that are rich in omega-6 are harmful to brain health because of:

1. Mitochondrial damage and energy depletion
LA accumulates in cells and disrupts mitochondria, reducing ATP production. That “energy shortfall” impairs cell repair and promotes fatigue, mood disturbances, and neurodegeneration.

2. Oxidative byproducts that kill neurons
LA can oxidize—especially when oils are heated—to form toxic compounds like OXLAMs and 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE). These oxidized lipids can damage mitochondrial membranes, protein chaperones (like Hsp70), and lysosomes, leading to neuronal dysfunction and even death.

3. Neuroinflammation and cognitive issues
Animal and some human observational studies suggest diets rich in LA may promote neuroinflammation, depression-like behavior, and neurodevelopmental impacts—potentially increasing Alzheimer’s risk—especially when omega‑6 intake greatly exceeds omega‑3 intake in the diet.

Out of Balance

The typical American diet is way out of balance; the Ideal Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratio is about 1:1 to 4:1. Modern Western diets often reach 10:1 to 20:1 or higher—this imbalance is where health risks (like inflammation) arise.

In contrast, those oils grown closer to the equator are very good for you: like coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, and palm oil, for example.

 What is the Takeaway?

In lab studies, excessive LA, especially from ultra-processed or overheated seed oils, produces harmful oxidation products and stresses cell mitochondria.

But clinical nutrition guidance supports moderate LA intake as part of a balanced diet, especially when paired with a good ration with omega‑3s and proper cooking techniques.

Practical Tips

Practical Tips for a Balanced Oil Intake omega-3 balance.

1. Use oils properly: avoid overheating, stay under the smoke point.

2. Balance omega‑6 with omega‑3: include fish, flax, algae, or quality supplements. Chia seeds have an ideal omega-6 to omega-3 balance.

3. Most processed foods are major part of the problem: read your labels.

4.  Prefer minimally processed oils, such as extra-virgin olive oil or expeller-pressed versions.

 Oxidized metabolites (OXLAMs) may damage neurons
What Mercola says: Cooking or processing LA-rich oils leads to OXLAMs (oxidized linoleic metabolites) that damage cell membranes, mitochondria, and neurons.
*Evidence shows: Animal studies reveal these OXLAMs accumulate in the brain after injury and may promote inflammation or neurotoxicity.

High LA may sensitize the brain to inflammation
Mercola’s angle: Excess dietary LA chronically increases neuroinflammation and depletes antioxidant resilience, weakening energy production and accelerating neuron decline.

Science suggests: Preclinical work supports this. One review concluded that excess LA “increases the brain’s vulnerability to inflammation” and may impact development.

Neuron death from mitochondrial stress?
There is growing scientific interest in the possible link between linoleic acid (LA), a type of omega-6 polyunsaturated fat, and dementia or cognitive decline, but it’s not accurate to say linoleic acid “causes” dementia outright. Here’s what we know: What’s the Concern with Linoleic Acid and Brain Health?
1. Excess LA Can Promote Inflammation
LA is metabolized into arachidonic acid, which can increase pro-inflammatory molecules (e.g., prostaglandins) and Chronic inflammation is a recognized risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
2. Oxidative Stress from LA Byproducts
Linoleic acid is prone to oxidation, especially during cooking (e.g., frying). The resulting compounds (like 4-HNE, acrolein, etc.) can be toxic to brain cells and may contribute to neurodegeneration.
What Does the Research Say?
1. Animal studies show that diets high in omega-6 fats impair learning and memory.
2. Observational studies in humans have linked high LA consumption with increased risk of cognitive decline.

To support brain health:
1. Limit seed oils high in LA (like corn, soybean, sunflower oils, etc.).
Increase intake of omega-3 fats (like from fatty fish, chia seed, flaxseed, or algae oil).
Eat more whole foods and fewer ultra-processed products.

Bottom Line
Linoleic acid is not inherently toxic, but excessive intake, especially from oxidized or processed sources, may contribute to brain inflammation and neurodegeneration over time.  Foods high in omega-6 fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid, are mainly found in vegetable oils and processed foods. While omega-6 is essential, modern diets often include too much of it, which can contribute to inflammation when not balanced with omega-3s.

Top Foods High in LA
Top Foods High in Omega-6 Oils
Vegetable & Seed Oils (Very High in Linoleic Acid):
These are the biggest sources of omega-6 in modern diets:
Soybean oil
Corn oil
Sunflower oil
Safflower oil
Cottonseed oil
Grapeseed oil
Canola oil (moderate omega-6, also contains omega-3)
These oils are widely used in cooking, frying, packaged snacks, and restaurant foods.

Animal Products (Conventional)
Meat, eggs, and dairy from grain-fed animals can have higher omega-6 levels than grass-fed varieties. Grass-fed is the best fed, and use free-range chicken eggs as well.
For example, grain-fed chicken, pork, or beef has higher omega-6 content. Avoid!

How to Balance Omega-6 Intake

1. Reduce the use of seed/vegetable oils in cooking.
2. Avoid processed foods with “vegetable oil” or “partially hydrogenated oils.”
3. Increase omega-3 sources: fatty fish (salmon, sardines), flaxseeds, chia seeds, free-range chicken eggs, algae oil.

Top Sources

Top Animal-based Sources of Omega-3 are the most potent and bioavailable.Take advantage of farmers’ markets. Buy fresh, and grow your own as best you can. Go organic is usually trustworthy. Avoid fast-food restaurants. More and more restaurants are going organic. High stress levels are also a major killer of neurons.
Learn to relax and enjoy life! The body heals in the relaxation mode. Eat well; enjoy the IDEAL MEAL, which I outline in my first book, It’s About Time. Also, Chapter 5 of Time & Eternity, The End-Times & Beyond Revealed, summarizes Dr. Weston Price’s great insights to be free of disease. May we help the Lord move the Earth back to its Paradisical Glory!

David W. Allan

Photo:  Wikipedia