#Omega 3

Omega-6 – an important source of energy

The omega-6 group of polyunsaturated fatty acids are an important source of energy. The most important omega-6 fatty acid is the essential linoleic acid, which your body can’t produce by itself. As a normal Western diet covers your body’s need for omega-6 fatty acids, you normally don’t need to take supplements. However, it’s important to balance your intake.

Omega-6 sources in the diet

Omega-6 fatty acids are found in plant oils like sunflower, corn and soya. Other omega-6 sources are nuts, seeds, grains and cereals, eggs, poultry, and some vegetables such as avocados.

Both omega-6 and omega-3 oils help to maintain normal heart function. However, it’s important to have a balanced intake of these two oils in order to get the benefits of both. Also, while omega-6 oils are known to promote inflammation, this can be balanced by the inflammation-easing effects of omega-3.

Omega-6 vs. Omega-3

Most people in the West have a fat intake that provides more omega-6 than omega-3. But rather than reducing your intake of omega-6 oils, it is better to increase your intake of omega-3. An intake of pure omega-3 supplements, and not a combination of omega-3 and omega-6, is therefore considered the best option for those who want to increase their intake of good fats.

All in all, the intake of omega-6 via a normal healthy diet and the production of omega-9 in the body are sufficient. Thus, it is not necessary to add these fatty acids through dietary supplements.