subject: Your Omega 3-6 Ratio is Important [print this page] Author: Elizabeth Ruby Author: Elizabeth Ruby
Many people have become familiar with the wonderful health benefits of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. The threat that some are not aware of though, is the risk of an omega 3-6 ratio imbalance in their bodies. This imbalance is accountable for numerous chronic heart conditions. Scientific research points to facts that link many health problems to an imbalance and/or deficiency in essential fatty acids. The essential fatty acid omega 3 has three forms. ALA (alph-linolenic acid) is found in vegetable sources such as flax seed oil, canola oil, soybean oil, and also in walnuts. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are two marine forms that are found chiefly in cold-water fatty fish such as mackerel, salmon, herring, lake trout, albacore tuna, and sardines. The essential fatty acid omega 6 also has various forms. The sources of LA (linoleic acid) include corn oil, safflower oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, and cotton seed oil. GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) is found in plant-based oils as well. ARA (arachidonic acid) is found in animal based oils. Omega 6 has been proven to be beneficial in the treatment of such ailments as anorexia nervosa, ADHD, osteoporosis, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis to name a few. Our bodies are capable of converting LA and ALA into longer chain fatty acids, which lead to the manufacturing of eicosanoids. Eicosanoids can have a positive or negative impact on our body, depending on their origin. On the positive side, they may deter intravascular clotting which aids in preventing strokes and heart attacks. By dilating blood vessels they can help lower hypertension and expand good blood delivery. Unfortunately, problems start to happen when an omega 3-6 ratio imbalance occurs. The eicosanoids produced by an overabundance of omega 6 has a tendency to generate many negative side effects. This may increase blood clotting which causes heart attack and strokes. It increases cellular growth, advancing the development of cancer cells. It also suppresses the immune system, increasing the possibility of infection. The goal we need to strive for in our diet is to increase our intake of omega 3 and decrease the amount of omega 6 for proper essential fatty acid balance. By eating more fatty fish and/or taking omega 3 fish oil dietary supplements we can achieve this goal. We should be careful to avoid a lot of foods fried in vegetable oils to help decrease our intake of omega 6. We can be assured of good heart health and just feel better all the way around by maintaining a proper omega 3-6 ratio balance. To learn more positives about taking fish oil supplements check out my web site listed in the bio section of this article. Youll find lots of great information there to help you in your goal of good health and keep your omega 3-6 ratio in balance.About the Author:
Elizabeth Ruby is passionate about good health and is a firm believer in taking quality nutritional supplements. She has extensively researched Omega 3 fatty acids for optimal health. Check out her web site at http://www.omega-3-health.com/ to find out how she keeps her mind and body young and active, functioning fully with the help of Omega 3 Fish Oil.
