Making Sense of Omega Oils

There are two types of Polyunsaturated Essential Acids (PUFA): Omega-3 and Omega-6.

Both these essential fats are crucial for bodily health and function, and are not produced by the human body itself, but must come from ones diet. The main difference between these two types of essential fats are that Omega-3 is seen as a “good” fat, and Omega-6 is seen as a “bad” fat. Thus, with the typical North American diet, it has been proven that an imbalance between Omega-3 and Omega-6 is partially responsible for many chronic heart conditions, high blood pressure, and higher levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) than HDL ( good cholesterol) within the blood stream. Unfortunately, the Western diet contains too much Omega-6 (up to ten times the proper amount) and not enough of Omega-3.

So, what do these Omega fatty acids do? Well, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats are essential for proper growth, neurological health, good cellular structure, and many bodily functions.

Omega-3 has been noted to help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, relieve inflammatory diseases and lower the risk of coronary heart disease and sudden cardiac death. While Omega-6 in large quantities is not beneficial, lower amounts are very important for good health. It has been noted that Omega-6 has been used during the treatment of diseases such as diabetes, tuberculosis,cancer, and anorexia nervosa, to name a few. Though in large amounts (seen within the Western diet) Omega-6, has been linked to suppressing the immune system, helping increase cancerous cell growth, and increasing blood clotting.

And where does Omega-3 and Omega-6 come from?

There are 3 forms of Omega-3:

1)ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), which is from vegetable sources, such as flaxseed oil, soybean oil, canola oil, walnuts,beans and broccoli. There is also a significant amount found within diary products.

2. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)

3. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) Both EPA and DHA are found in cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout, and tuna.
   

There are 2 forms of Omega-6:

1. GLAC (gamma-linolenic acid) which is from plant-based oils, such as canola,safflower, and soybean oil.

2. ARA (arachidonic acid) which is from animal-based fats.
   

The Solution to the Imbalance?

As the high fat, low nutritional value diet of North America has been linked to many resulting health problems and diseases, it is important to take notice and try to make some dietary changes to improve ones bodily wellbeing. By staying clear of deep fried, high fat foods, you can lower your cholesterol and Omega-6 intake. Do not eat hydrogenated oils and fats, margarine, and vegetable oils. Try to choose extra virgin olive oil, organic butter, coconut oils and avocados instead. If you are wanting to improve your cardiovascular health and relieve your current inflammatory disease ( Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ulcerative Colititis etc) Omega-3 is available in gel capsule form, but should be taken with caution.

If you suffer from any type of bleeding disorder (thrombocytopenia, hemophillia), consult your doctor before taking Omega-3, as it can hinder the bodies ability to clot blood. And also, if you are pregnant,are breastfeeding,have diabetes,or congestive heart failure or any other health problems, please talk to a health professional before taking this supplement.