Hypothesis: linoleic acid acts as an evolutionary signal to our fat cells that they should grow. Historically, we would have eaten more of this during times of scarcity. This is nature telling us that "winter is coming."

Linoleic acid-rich foods like nuts and seeds would have been these signals in the past at a low level, but today with our constant over-consumption of linoleic acid in vegetable oils and fat from monogastric animals fed corn and soy there's a constant signal for us to get fat.

We are essentially giving our bodies the evolutionary signal that "winter is coming" every day we consume large amounts of linoleic acid. Not a good idea.

The opposite signal appears to come from stearic acid, the 18 carbon saturated fat found in high amounts in suet (kidney fat) and cacao butter. In both human and animal models, this molecule appears to have positive effects at a mitochondrial level.

In summary: humans forced to consume nuts and seeds (survival foods)= body responds by preparing for "winter" during times of scarcity and adds fat mass...

Humans with a successful animal hunt having access to stearic signals "abundance" and allows loss of fat mass during times of plenty.

With constant access to food in 2020, we would do well to signal "abundance" to our fat cells as often as possible while signaling "scarcity" less often = more six pack abs.

Try the experiment at home: lower linoleic acid and increase stearic acid and see what happens. Report back with your amazing ab photos. Go!