GMO soybean oil? Try odd omegas instead

Barry Bremen, the Great Imposter, joined the PGA’s U.S. Open in 1979 and almost finished a practice round with two pros before being ushered off the course. After that, he put on a Yankees uniform and shagged flies before the All-Star game. (He was arrested during the team photo shoot.) Seems you may claim that you’re as good as or even better than, the real thing, but that doesn’t make it true.

Take genetically modified soybean oil. Its producers claim that it’s better than the original. Soybean oil is the most used vegetable oil in North America, found in scores of prepared foods. The oil contains about 55 percent linoleic acid (aka omega-6 fatty acid) and is considered a major contributor to the epidemic levels of obesity, diabetes, fatty liver and insulin resistance. Researchers found that after replacing saturated fats from coconut oil with soybean oil, lab animals were even more likely to gain weight, and develop diabetes and insulin resistance.

So what’s with GMO soybean oil? It’s low in linoleic acid and has about the same fatty acid composition as olive oil. Sounds promising. But those same researchers also found that it’s equally linked to obesity, diabetes and fatty liver. Their conclusion: acid may contribute to insulin resistance ... but another ... unidentified component of soybean oil affects the liver and overall weight gain.” So don’t go GMO — or regular soybean oil, either. The easiest way: Eliminate fried and prepared foods from your menu, and go with odd omegas: omega-3 (from walnuts and canola oil) or omega-9 (from extra-virgin olive oil).

How to rebound

When LeBron James left the Miami Heat after four seasons, their fortunes went south, and now they’re losing three out of every five games. But Miami’s loss was the Cleveland Cavaliers’ gain. King James went back to the Cavs (he’d left in 2010), and the once-sagging team is rebounding big time, winning two out of three games this season. Is this a doover? Classic.

Having a second chance is great. Here are three of our favorite do-overs that will make you the guard of your well-being.

Pay attention to portion size — even when you’re eating good-for-you foods. Overeating packs on belly fat, releasing hormones that break down the blood-brain barrier, letting in toxins that may cause cognitive problems. Love your core, but show your arms and hands affection, too. Building arm and hand strength in midlife ensures that you’ll continue to have agility and strength in the long run. Start simple: Squeeze a handball or gently push and release the flat of your palm against a wall. Try four sets of 20.

Figure out your stress solution, but avoid the ones that rebound to more stress, like overeating and drinking excessively. Some of our favorite stress solutions are massages, walks, yoga, meditation, sex with your partner, cooking — you get the picture.

Can you hear me now?

According to a new World Health Organization report, hearing loss is a lifechanging health issue that threatens 1.1 billion teens and young adults around the world. And it’s mostly caused by “unsafe use of personal audio devices, including smartphones, and exposure to damaging levels of sound at noisy entertainment venues such as nightclubs, bars and sporting events.” Mehmet Oz, M.D., is host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” and Mike Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer at Cleveland Clinic. To live your healthiest, visit sharecare.com.