Posts Tagged ‘Omega-3 fatty acids’

The risks of too much Omega-6 fatty acids are well known. We are not talking about the very vital fatty acid found in small amount in seeds and plants. These are essential nutrients. When Omega 6-fatty acids are in the right proportion with Omega-3 fatty acid you have the proper combination to help regulate brain and immune function, along with energy production.

Omega-fatty acid has become so abundant in our diet, that it has caused inflammation, and numerous health problems. The type of Omega-6 fatty acids that we get from our food supply is injuring our body. We have Omega-6 fatty acids appearing in our processed food supply, and in the vegetable oils we use. The oils are so prevalent in all the baked goods, fast food, and packaged foods that the ration of Omega-6 fatty acids to Omega-3 fatty acids is dangerous. The right ration can be from 1.1 to 1.3, now it can go over 1.25 in favor of Omega-6 fatty acids.

This is the discussion of “good” fats and “bad” fats. Technology and the chemical extraction methods, have led to this problem. We are not consuming omega-6 in its natural state. Our source is from the plant and seed oils. This is the corn, soy, safflower, and sunflower oils in our food supply. The imbalances of these oils contribute to heart disease, cancer, asthma, arthritis, and depression. Many believe this is behind all these conditions, because Omega-6 fatty acids contribute to inflammation.

The American diet is high in this fat, while the Mediterranean diet is made up of a better balance on Omega-3 to Omega-6. That diet relies on whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables, fish, garlic, and olive oil. In many parts of the world they have a supply of Omega-3 from their free grazing livestock. The dairy and meat products have a higher amount of the right fats. That is a reason that Americans need to supplement with Omega-3 fatty acids, to reduce their risk of heart disease, and other chronic conditions.

The risk of too much omega-6 fatty acids is primary coming from processed food. A tablespoon of corn oil takes over a dozen ears of corn. You get the protective omega-3 fatty acids by consuming a diet of nuts, grass fed butter, cheese, beef, fish, nuts, seeds, and coconut oil.  All these are found in a whole foods diet.