May
not the omega 3, but what about 6?
Answer:
They’re required for general health, but most people get plenty of them from nuts, hydrogenated oils, and processed foods (which commonly use vegetable oils). In fact, most people get too much Omega-6 and not enough Omega-3.
The Omega-6 fatty acids are primarily beneficial for skin health and hormonal health in women. A couple of the ideal sources are Borage Oil and Evening Primrose Oil, but I would take other sources into consideration before adding more of those (like reduce other sources if you’re eating too much of it already). Good luck and I hope I helped!
Answer:
Essential fatty acids
. Most Americans are Omega-3 deficient because of our over-processed diets, and one of the most common symptoms of Omega-3 deficiency is depression, among other mental health symptoms. Of course depression is general among Americans. Is this why so many people take St. John's Wort, Prozac, Ritalin, even drink coffee? Could it be a easy deficiency? There are other causes of depression, for example mercury poisoning is the reason behind dentists' higher suicide rate, but I think most depression in America is Omega-3 deficiency based.
Essential Fatty Acids are the “good fats” all over the news these days, and a very hot research topic. More is known about them each week as more studies come forward. Some information hasn't changed since Julius Fast wrote his book The Omega-3 Breakthrough (Tucson, Arizona: The Body Press 1987, ISBN 0-89586-625-0). For example, good fats compete with bad fats, so it's important to minimize the intake of trans fats and cholesterol (animal fat) while consuming enough good fats. Also, good fats raise your HDL or “good cholesterol”. One of the jobs of this High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) or “good cholesterol” is to grab your bad cholesterol, LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein), and escort it to the liver where it is broken down and excreted. In other words, these good fats attack some of the damage already done by the bad fats. This is very important in an age when so many Americans are struggling to get their cholesterol down, and fight heart disease and obesity.Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are necessary fats that humans cannot synthesize, and must be obtained through diet. EFAs are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from linolenic, linoleic, and oleic acids. There are two families of EFAs: Omega-3 and Omega-6. Omega-9 is necessary yet “non-essential” because the body can manufacture a modest amount on its own, provided essential EFAs are present. The number following “Omega-” represents the position of the first double bond, counting from the terminal methyl group on the molecule. Omega-3 fatty acids are derived from Linolenic Acid, Omega-6 from Linoleic Acid, and Omega-9 from Oleic Acid. EFAs support the cardiovascular, reproductive, immune, and nervous systems. The human body needs EFAs to manufacture and repair cell membranes, enabling the cells to obtain optimum nutrition and expel harmful waste products. A primary function of EFAs is the production of prostaglandins, which regulate body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, blood clotting, fertility, conception, and play a role in immune function by regulating inflammation and encouraging the body to fight infection. Essential Fatty Acids are also needed for proper growth in children, particularly for neural development and maturation of sensory systems, with male children having higher needs than females. Fetuses and breast-fed infants also require an sufficient supply of EFAs through the mother's dietary intake. EFA deficiency is common in the United States, particularly Omega-3 deficiency. An best intake ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids is between 1:1 and 4:1, with most Americans only obtaining a ratio between 10:1 and 25:1. The minimum healthy intake for both linolenic (Omega-3) and linoleic (Omega-6) acid via diet, per adult per day, is 1.5 grams of each. One tablespoon of flaxseed oil can provide this amount, or more massive amounts of other linolenic-rich foods. Because high heat destroys linolenic acid, cooking in linolenic-rich oils or eating cooked linolenic-rich fish is unlikely to provide a sufficient amount. EFA deficiency and Omega 6/3 imbalance is linked with serious health conditions, such as heart attacks, cancer, insulin resistance, asthma, lupus, schizophrenia, depression, postpartum depression, accelerated aging, stroke, obesity, diabetes, arthritis, ADHD, and Alzheimer's Disease, among others.
Omega-3 (Linolenic Acid)
Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA) is the principal Omega-3 fatty acid, which a healthy human will convert into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and later into docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA and the GLA synthesized from linoleic (Omega-6) acid are later converted into hormone-like compounds known as eicosanoids, which aid in many bodily functions including vital organ function and intracellular activity. Omega-3s are used in the formation of cell walls, making them supple and flexible, and improving circulation and oxygen uptake with proper red blood cell flexibility and function. Omega-3 deficiencies are linked to decreased memory and mental capabilities, tingling sensation of the nerves, poor vision, increased tendency to form blood clots, diminished immune function, increased triglycerides and “bad” cholesterol (LDL) levels, impaired membrane function, hypertension, irregular heart beat, learning disorders, menopausal anguish, itchiness on the front of the lower leg(s), and growth retardation in infants, kids,