subject: Balancing Omega 3 6 9 Ratio of Fatty Acids for a Dose of Good Health [print this page] Balancing Omega 3 6 9 Ratio of Fatty Acids for a Dose of Good Health
Let me ask you a quick question. Do you wonder what's the big deal with fatty acids and why you need them? I did so got down to some research and here's what I learned.
A Little Science Behind It
Fatty acids are composed of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms. Easy enough right? This matters in your body because it effects the way they twist and bond with hydrogen and oxygen atoms.
But the differences in omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 are more than just the carbon atoms and their bonds. You probably want to know how these differences affect your health.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are both polyunsaturated and cannot be produced by the body.
That's a problem if you're not getting enough of them. However, omega 6's aren't a problem for most of us. We actually get way more of those than we need. On the other hand, we're deficient in omega 3's because they're not in most of our foods.
Then there's Omega-9, which is monounsaturated, and is not essential because the body can take them from the unsaturated fats in our bodies.
Balancing the Omega 3, 6 and 9
Omega-3 is probably the most important among the three as it aids in many degenerative diseases such as heart problems, brain problems, and weight problems.
It's known as the Alpha Linoleic Acid. The metabolized omega-3 results in two important acids known as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). They have powerful anti-inflammatory effects that are very important for the body.
Omega-6 ramps up the inflammatory processes of the body.
Inflammation happens when the body reacts to viruses and diseases that attack the immune system. And omega 6's are found in fried foods and most processed foods.
Do you eat "on the run"? Then you need to balance out your omega 6's inflammatory foods with lots of fish rich in omega 3's.
A balanced regulation of inflammation is important because otherwise, it can result in chronic and problematic inflammation that may cause heart diseases, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and other serious conditions. The right combination of omega-3 and omega-6 is very important in inflammation.
Omega-9 is the most abundant fatty acid in nature.
It tries to step in when you don't have enough omega 6's and 3's. But that wrecks havoc in your body. The replacements don't work the same and can cause problems.
How Much to Get?
The problem is finding the right proportions or ratio of omega 3, 6 and 9 in taking the fatty acids in our diets. To balance the body fats, there should be more intake of the omega-3 because most of the food these days are processed and contains more omega-6 fatty acids.
Most doctors recommend getting 2-3 grams of omega 3 daily. You can do this by eating fish 2-3 times a week or taking fish oil pills. If you concentrate on getting more omega 3, the 6 and 9 will take care of themselves.
Having more omega 6 and too little omega 3 in the body causes clots and constricts arteries that increase the risks of heart attacks, increased swelling that worsen arthritis, and other health conditions like gout. Unbalanced fatty acids also affect the person's ability to respond to insulin causing high sugar levels leading to diabetes and obesity.
Now that you know some of the risks of not getting enough of the right fatty acids and the importance of the omega 3 6 9 ratio, please visit my website where I share the research I've uncovered.
