PolyUnsaturated Fats (Omega 3s and Omega 6s) Effects on the Body

What are PolyUnsaturated Fats?

PolyUnsaturated Fats consists of foods that are rich in Omega-3s and Omega-6s. These polyunsaturated fats have been shown to have positive effects on the body.

Ratio of Omega-3s to Omega-6s

A Study conducted in 2002 demonstrated that not only is it vital to consume foods that are rich in Omega 3s and Omega 6s, but that the ratio of Omega 3s to Omega 6s fats is even more critical. The optimal ratio that humans evolved on is 1:1.

Our Western diet is inundated with omega 6 Fatty Acids, and a Study showed that in societies where a Western diet is predominantly eaten, the ratio of Omega 6s to Omega 3s can be as much as 16.7 to 1.

Negative Effects of Too Much Omega-6s to Omega 3s

The Study further concluded that this imbalanced ratio of Omega 6s to Omega 3s lead to preventable diseases such as:

Cardio Vascular Diseases

Cancer

Auto Immune Diseases

Inflammatory Diseases

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 Fatty Acids includes the following important acids:

EPA

DHA

ALA

Foods that are rich in EPA and DHA includes:

Fish Oil

Sardines

Salmon

Tuna

Eggs

Foods that are rich in ELA includes:

Flaxseed

Walnuts

Leafy Vegetables

Supplementation for Omega 3s

If you are considering supplementation of Omega-3s with Fish Oil, ensure you are getting a high quality fish oil that excludes toxins such as Mercury.