You Might Have Heard About The Nutritional Benefits Of Omega 3, 6 And 9.

By Tommie Locke


Wondering what on earth are all of these? Don't worry, this article will discuss all about Omega 3, 6 and 9 and help you understand them better.

This is what has happened with the Omega 3 and Omega 6 scientific story, especially as regards the Omega 3 and Omega 6 advice that people have been given.

Omega 3 or the Essential fatty acids is the name given to a family of polyunsaturated fatty acids that are crucial for the healthy functioning of our body. These include Alpha-linolenic acids, Docosahexaenoic acids and Eicosapentaenoic acids.

Both Omega 3 and 6 oil play a crucial role in the functioning of our body. What makes them so essential is their chemical structure that triggers the secretion of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that enable muscular contraction and relaxation, functioning of blood vessels, control blood pressure and treat inflammation.

They are called essential because the body cannot manufacture them, unlike the other fatty acids, monounsaturated and saturated oils, which the body can synthesize from carbohydrates.

The essential nature of Omega 6 and 3 oils was discovered in 1929, although researchers back then thought they were only important for growth and skin health and didn't realize the overall importance to all cells in the body and brain.

The sources of Omega 3 and 6 oil are flaxseed oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, hemp oil and coconut oil.

But only in the last decade has the importance of Omega 3 become very apparent. However forgetting about the role that Omega 6 plays in our health is a big mistake.

For optimum health, it is important that the ratio of omega 3:omega 6 be 3:1, however our dependence on processed foods and tinned oils have resulted in 20 times more consumption of omega 6 fats than omega 3 fatty acids.

This is the main factor behind the increase in cardiovascular disorders, high blood pressure, skin problems and other inflammatory conditions.

To increase our intake of omega 3, we need to consume more fish oils extracted from cold-water fishes such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines and Hoki. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, tofu and soybeans are also rich in omega 3 fatty acids.

Doctors advise consumption of Omega 6 for healing skin problems such as eczema & psoriasis. They also clear acne and clogged pores. Omega 6 fatty acids inhibit nerve deterioration in diabetics. They help in maintaining hormonal balance and a healthy emotional state.

Omega 3 fatty acids reduce the triglycerides and maintain HDL cholesterol in our blood stream. This prevents us from a variety of coronary heart diseases and strokes. They treat skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis. Joint inflammation and arthritis can also be cured with regular intake of fish oils.

The richest source of Omega 3 is Fish oil since it provides DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid), the two most important fatty acids our body requires.

One of the foremost researchers in this field, Dr Udo Erasmus has found that the best ratio for overall health - both physically and mentally, is 2:1, in favour of Omega 3. This is because the Omega 3's are involved in very biological active organs, like the brain, the retina, the heart and reproductive organs, so they need to be available in greater quantities.

Omega 3, 6, 9 supplements are also a good choice when it comes to getting all the nutritional benefits of these fatty acids.



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