Benefits of Omega 3 & 6

Both of these fatty acids have been getting a lot of press lately. They have been added to our food put on both the Canadian and American food guides to healthy eating but have you ever wondered what purpose they serve? Well they are actually very important to overall health in many ways. Firstly are not produced by the body, Secondly help conditions such as: They normalize lipid levels, lower blood pressure and improve glucose metabolism, and help lessen the effects of: Rheumatoid arthritis, depression, and autism. Thirdly: Omega 6 is known to have an anti inflammatory benefit: bloating and pain associated with PMS, also maintains healthy skin, hair and nails and generally helps to bring about hormonal and emotional balance. These new findings prove that they should be a very important addition to a healthy diet. Here are some other facts about Omega 3 & 6:

Omega 3

The most important 2 fatty acids in the Omega 3 family are EPA and DHA as these are in limited supply and only found in any real quantities in oily fish and fish oil supplements. Although DHA is important for pregnant and nursing mothers and for young children for healthy development of the brain and vision, EPA can be considered the most important for everyone else as it is necessary for the efficient functioning of the brain and the body at a cellular level.

The Omega 3's have anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant properties as well as many other important health benefits. They reduce inflammation and can provide protection against cardiovascular disease, arthritis, skin conditions, depression and other mood-related disorders.

Omega 6

Although Omega 6 is generally classed as pro-inflammatory, paradoxically, GLA, when sourced dietetically, has anti-inflammatory properties. It can help the bloating and pain associated with PMS. It also maintains healthy skin, hair and nails and generally helps to bring about hormonal and emotional balance.

Omega 3 and Omega 6 interact with each other so the balance between them is crucial for good health. Together they affect the production of hormonal type messengers called eicosanoids, which has an impact on inflammation in the body and all functions at a cellular level.

Benefits of Omega 3 & 6

Omega fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats. They are healthier than saturated fats and have many metabolic functions. There are many benefits of omega 3 & 6 supplementation.

Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are essential fatty acids (EFA’s). Our bodies cannot manufacture them, and we must consume them in our diets.

Omega 3 fatty acids prevent heart disease and the complications of heart attack. People who take omega 3 fatty acids have a lower mortality rate after heart attack than those who do not.

Omega 3 EFA’s improve cardiac risk factors, and help prevent CHD. They normalize lipid levels, lower blood pressure and improve glucose metabolism.

Omega 3’s may be helpful in a number of other conditions, Rheumatoid arthritis, depression, autism, and many other conditions may be improved by taking omega 3 EFA’s. They are necessary for growth and development, especially in the development of nervous tissue, and may improve cognitive function and emotional health.

Omega 6 fatty acids compete for enzymes with omega 3 EFA’s, so the amounts of the two need to be properly balanced. Less research has been done on omega 6 EFA’s than on omega 3’s. Most omega 6 fatty acids produce an inflammatory response that may be necessary for healthy immune system function. Research is beginning to indicate that one omega 6 EFA is, however, a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, and may be even more important for healthy hearts than omega 3 oils.

The ongoing information proves that these fatty acids are essential to good health and may ever help to reverse and lessen the effects of certain conditions and disorders. So make sure you are getting enough Omega 3 & 6 and if you aren’t in your normal diet supplement them in pill form or through Omega 3 & 6 enriched food.