Health Benefits of Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids
There are two important things to know
about the health and nutritional effects of omega-6 and omega-3 essential
fatty acids.
- Omega-3 is Good for Nutrition and
Health
Omega-3 essential fatty acids have enormous healing properties and wide
ranging health benefits.
- Eat Less Omega-6: Eat More Omega-3
Eating too much omega-6 can block these benefits. A healthy balanced
diet plan must include the correct balance of omega-6 to omega-3. The
average Western diet includes omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in the
approximte ratio 10-20 grams of omega-6 to 1 gram of omega-3. The correct
balance should be 3:1.
Health Benefits of Omega-3 and Omega-6
Here are some of the benefits we can obtain
by following a diet containing the correct balance of omega-6 and omega-3
essential fatty acids.
Helps Protects Against Cancer and Tumours
Omega-3 fatty acids appear to slow down tumour growth in humans and also
help to prevent new tumours from starting/spreading. Health experts believe
this is because omega-3s boost our immune system which stops pre-cancerous
cells from developing.
Helps Protects Against Inflammatory
Diseases
Supplements of omega-3 has also been shown to improve the symptoms of
rheumatoid arithitis. Omega-3s may also reduce the risk of other inflammatory
diseases, such as asthma and gingivitis.
Improves Blood Glucose Control
Omega-6s and omega-3s help to regulate blood glucose levels by increasing
insulin sensitivity. This helps to keep hunger at bay and may lead to
a lower risk of both diabetes and obesity.
Helps Benefit Depression
Omega-6s and omega-3s appear to relieve depression and improve mood.
Improves Mental Conditions
Omega-3 (from fish oils) seems to lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease
and may also benefit conditions such as attention deficit disorder, dyslexia
and dyspraxia.
Improves Brain Health
Omega-6s and omega-3s are known to benefit healthy brain development in
unborn children and infants.
Improves Skin
Omega-3s are also believed to benefit skin complaints such as eczema and
psoriasis.
Deficiency Symptoms of Omega-6 Fatty Acids
A diet which lacks sufficient omega-6 fats
may cause the following adverse health symptoms:
- Eczema
- Hair loss
- Liver impairment
- Kidney degeneration
- Excessive water loss
- Lower resistance to infections, slower healing
- Reproductive problems in males and females
- Cardiovascular problems
Deficiency Symptoms of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
A diet which lacks sufficient omega-3 fats
may cause the following adverse health symptoms:
- Slow down in growth
- Weakness
- Reduced vision
- Reduced balance/coordination
- Higher risk of raised triglyceride levels
- Higher risk of elevated blood pressure
- Higher risk of blood clotting in arteries
- Inflammation (eg. arthritis)
- Skin problems
- Reduction in mental faculties
- Lower metabolic rate
- Possible impairment of immune system
Dietary Fat Resources
Best Fats
in Diet
Best Cooking Oils
Recommended Daily Allowance
for Fat in Diet
What are Essential Fatty Acids?
Omega-3 Fish Oils
Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids
Omega-6 Essential Fatty Acids
What is Monounsaturated Fat?
What is Polyunsaturated Fat?
What is Saturated Fat?
What are Trans-Fats?
Questions About Cholesterol in Diet
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