The Role of Omega Fatty Acids

The Role of Omega Fatty Acids

What are Omega Fatty Acids and how do they affect me?

We hear a lot of “take this vitamin” or “eat that food” without actually knowing for ourselves what’s the right thing to do. In the case of making the best lifestyle decision, knowledge is power. For instance, many of us hear about omegas or fatty acids, but did you know there are three different kinds, much of which can be found in a healthy and balanced diet?

What are Omega Fatty Acids?

Omega Fatty Acids is the term used to group comprised of Omega 3, Omega 6, and even Omega 9, tho it is not deemed an essential  fatty acid and is often not included when talking about Omega Fatty Acids, but well get more into that soon.

Omega 3

Omega 3 is believed to reduce joint tenderness and the need for corticosteroid drugs which great news for anyone with inflammation or chronic pain conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. There is also significant evidence that EPA and DHA has a deep impact on cardiovascular disease including the reduction of sudden death, cardiac arrest, and myocardial infarction. In fact, there are animal and isolated organ/ cell culture studies that show it ensures normal heart rate and coronary blood flow. Read more Here.

Omega 6

Like Omega 3, Omega 6 is a category containing a few types of acid. LA, or linoleic acid, is an unsaturated Omega 6 fatty acid with an 18-carbon chain and a double bond (which classifies it as an Omega 6). GLA, or gamma-linoleic acid is very similar to LA, but differs slight in composition and is found on other food sources. Last, AA or arachidonic acid (the favorite sounding of the Omega 6 fatty acids) is a 20-carbon chain. Read more Here.

Omega 9

Omega 9 is a very important fatty acid, even if it isn’t “essential.” Omega 9 is shown to increase good cholesterol while decreasing bad cholesterol. Omega 9 proves to be beneficial for basic cardiovascular health and so much more; replacing butter with an oil containing Omega 9 such as canola oil could reduce the risk of some heavy hitters like coronary heart disease. Read more Here.

Conclusion

Regardless if your goal is to promote heart health, lower cholesterol, reduce joint tenderness, improve your cardiovascular health, or reduce your chances or cardiac arrest, making sure you have an adequate intake of the essential fatty acids 3 and 6 is a critical component. The best place to start is taking a look at your diet and making sure you are getting enough of the foods that contain these fatty acids. If you are not sure, make a point to contact your health care professional or dietitian.