Facts  

• Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids (“Omegas”) are commonly called essential fatty acids as they are essential to human health.
• Omegas cannot be created by the body so necessarily must be obtained from food (fish and certain plant oils).
• It is important to maintain an appropriate balance of Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9 in the diet as these substances work together to promote health.

Also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), Omega-3 Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development. There are three types of Omega-3 fatty acids coming from foods: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Once ingested, the body converts ALA to EPA and DHA, the two types of Omega-3 fatty acids more readily used by the body.

Research indicates that Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and help prevent certain chronic diseases such as heart disease and arthritis. These essential fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be particularly important for cognitive and behavioural function.

As it was mentioned before, it is very important to maintain a balance between the Omegas in the diet. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation and most Omega-6 fatty acids tend to promote inflammation; Omega-9 fatty acids help lowering LDL and maintain HDL (beneficial cholesterol) levels. An inappropriate balance of these essential fatty acids contributes to the development of disease while a proper balance helps maintain and even improve health.

A healthy diet should consist of roughly one Omega-3 fatty acid to four Omega-6 fatty acids; closer to one, the better.

To provide a clear example, a typical diet here in North America is 15 to 50 times more Omega-6 fatty acids than Omega-3 fatty acids; many researchers believe this imbalance is a key factor in the rising rate of inflammatory disorders in North America. In other parts of the world, in contrast to what it is typical for North America, the diet consists of a healthier balance between Omegas and many studies have shown that people who follow this diet are less likely to develop heart disease.

Uses

Many studies suggest that an appropriate and balanced ingest of Omegas may be helpful for different conditions, some of them being:

• To benefit the cardiovascular system
• To support immune health
• Mental Clarity and Memory
• Improved Vision
• To promote neurological health
• To trigger metabolism and increases natural fat loss
• To help boost antioxidants
• To promote healthy bones and joints
• To encourage a healthy looking skin, hair and nails

The evidence is strongest for heart disease and problems that contribute to heart disease, but the possible uses for Omegas include a long list...

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