Crisps contain an omega-6 fat called linoleic acid that was previously thought to have health benefits such as lowering blood cholesterol. But researchers found that feeding rats with three times the recommended daily intake of linoleic acid decreased hormones that regulate the growth and development of their unborn babies. And vegetable oil, which also contains linoleic acid, was marketed as a healthy and cheaper alternative to using animal fats in cooking. The team also found rat mothers who ate a high linoleic acid diet had a reduced number of male babies. It is not known whether the same effects would be seen in humans or what amounts of linoleic acid would be harmful.

Source: Daily Mirror May 25, 2019 00:56 UTC