Essential Fatty Acids - Omega 3 & Omega 6

What are Essential Fatty Acids?

Essential fatty acid is an unsaturated fatty acid that is essential to human health, but cannot be manufactured in the body. There are two families of Essential Fatty Acids: linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3). 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 and Omega-6 from Linoleic Acid.

Omega 6 and Omega 3 essential fatty acids are best consumed in a ratio of about 3:1 - three omega 6 for one omega 3. Although we need more omega 6, we eat too much of it and not enough omega 3 fat.

Functions & Health Benefits

Essential fatty acids have many functions throughout the body. 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 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. 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. Humans have the ability to convert the linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid to longer chain fatty acids, which serve as precursors for eicosanoids.

Omega-3 (Linolenic Acid)

Omega-3 fatty acids are a form of polyunsaturated fats. 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 abilities, tingling sensation of the nerves, poor vision, increased tendency to form blood clots, increased risk of overweight, diminished immune function, poor nail growth, increased triglycerides and "bad" cholesterol (LDL) levels, impaired membrane function, hypertension, irregular heart beat, learning disorders, menopausal discomfort.

Omega-3 fatty acids help prevent and treat various disorders in different ways: iImprove heart health; reduce hypertension; improve rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Raynaud's disease, and other autoimmune diseases; improve depression and symptoms of other mental health problems.

Food sources: salmon, halibut, flaxseed oil, flaxseeds, hempseed oil, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts, sesame seeds, avocados, kale, spinach, purslane, mustard greens, canola oil, soybean oil, wheat germ oil, sardines, anchovies, albacore tuna.

One benefit of omega-3 fatty acids is that they are very safe to consume. However, most sources recommend that fish consumption be limited to two to three servings weekly because so many fish are tainted with mercury and other contaminants. Fish oil capsules don't present this same risk.

Omega-6 (Linoleic Acid)

Linoleic Acid is the primary Omega-6 fatty acid. A Some Omega 6 fatty acids improve diabetic neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, PMS, skin disorders (e.g. psoriasis and eczema).

Food sources: flaxseed oil, hempseed oil, hempseeds, grapeseed oil, pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, pistachio nuts, sunflower seeds (raw), olive oil, olives, borage oil, black currant seed oil, chestnut oil, chicken.

Essential Fatty Acids Products from Botanic Chioce

Oils products from EVitamins.com