Omega-6 Fatty Acids
When you hear "omegas," chances are you think of omega-3s... They're not the only omegas out there, though—and the next best-known essential fatty acids, omega-6s, don't have quite as sunny a reputation. Though current dialogue might have you thinking that omega-6s are flat-out bad, they serve a number of very real purposes in the body - Korin Miller
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How Too Much Omega-6 and Not Enough Omega-3 Is Making Us Sick
In plain english, what this means is that the more omega-3 fat you eat, the less omega-6 will be available to the tissues to produce inflammation. Omega-6 is pro-inflammatory, while omega-3 is neutral. A diet with a lot of omega-6 and not much omega-3 will increase inflammation. A diet of a lot of omega-3 and not much omega-6 will reduce inflammation.
Big Pharma is well aware of the effect of n-6 on inflammation. In fact, the way over-the-counter and prescription NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin, Celebres, etc.) work is by reducing the formation of inflammatory compounds derived from n-6 fatty acids
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No need to avoid healthy omega-6 fats
Omega-6 fats, which we get mainly from vegetable oils, are also beneficial. They lower harmful LDL cholesterol and boost protective HDL. They help keep blood sugar in check by improving the body's sensitivity to insulin. Yet these fats don't enjoy the same sunny reputation as omega-3 fats.
Articles of Interest
An Update on Omega-6 PUFAs
Advice to increase omega-3 fatty acid consumption and decrease omega-6 consumption is widespread in health communities and the popular press. But is it omega-6 that’s the problem, or just how we cook omega-6-rich foods?
Are Omega-6 Fatty Acids Bad for You?
New research debunks the theory that omega-6s increase the risk of heart disease. In fact, the same study suggests that omega-6 fatty acids may reduce the risk of heart disease or stroke. That’s excellent news.
Omega 3 vs Omega 6: How Do They Compare?
It can be hard these days to keep up on the science around good versus bad fats. Fat is bad, fat is good -- which is it?
Omega-6 fatty acids and inflammation
Hence, it is commonly believed that increasing dietary intake of the omega-6 fatty acids ARA or its precursor linoleic acid (LA) will increase inflammation. However, studies in healthy human adults have found that increased intake of ARA or LA does not increase the concentrations of many inflammatory markers.
Omega-6 vs. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: What You Should Know
Thus, the real take-away here is to make sure you’re getting the proper ratio of omega-3s to omega-6s in your diet. Researchers agree that the optimal omega ratio should be between 2:1 to 4:1. That is, you should consume at least double the amount of omega-3s compared to other fats. The idea is to eat just enough omega-6s to function, but no more, and to balance them with lots of healthy omega-3s.
Omega-6s Have A Bad Reputation — Here's What You Should Know About Them
When you hear "omegas," chances are you think of omega-3s (you know, the good-for-you fats found in fatty fish that are vital for everything from heart health to immunity).* They're not the only omegas out there, though—and the next best-known essential fatty acids, omega-6s, don't have quite as sunny a reputation. Though current dialogue might have you thinking that omega-6s are flat-out bad, they serve a number of very real purposes in the body.
