Omega-6
vs. Omega-3 Fatty Acid: What's the Difference?
Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are essential to the body to
maintain certain functions and to aid in keeping you healthy. While both are
fatty acids, each one has a different role in keeping your body performing at
its absolute best.
Omega-6
Most sources of omega-6 fatty acids can be found in the food
you eat in your daily diets, while omega-3 fatty acids may be taken as a
supplement. In fact, certain research says that too much omega-6 may lead to or
increase the problems of certain medical conditions, along with depression.
Your body does not make these fatty acids, which are essential for good health.
You must obtain them elsewhere. Omega-6 fatty acid aids in reducing the
symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, allergies and high blood
pressure. It eases the symptoms of menopause, in particular breast pain or
tenderness. It is also good for the sufferers of multiple sclerosis, and it
also helps those diagnosed with ADHD. Add eczema, menstrual pain and breast
cancer to the list of illnesses and diseases that omega-6 is helpful for
preventing or treating. A good diet will provide all the omega-6 fatty acids
that your body needs. Omega-3 fatty acids, on the other hand must usually be
taken as some form of supplement.
Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acid is
found in abundance in fish or fish oils. This essential fatty acid has been
found to reduce the incidence of heart disease, as well as a number of other
illnesses or conditions. Omega-3 fatty acid plays a crucial role in the
function of the brain and in normal growth development. It also stimulates hair
and skin growth. A healthy diet of omega-3 fatty acids would include wheat
germ, fresh fruits and vegetables, along with fish, olive oil, garlic, flax
seed, walnuts and canola oil. All of these are excellent sources of this fatty
acid. Omega-3 plays an important role in reducing different types of
inflammation, while Omega-6 can often cause the inflammation to become even
worse. Omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Several other diseases are helped by the addition of an Omega-3
supplement. Arthritis, lupus,
osteoporosis, asthma, diabetes, irritable bowel disease, breast cancer and
colon cancer are just some in a long list of ailments that can benefit from
omega-3 fatty acid.
Deficiencies
Infants who do not get enough omega-3 fatty acid during the
mother's pregnancy can suffer from nerve or vision problems. Adult deficiencies
may include fatigue, poor circulation, depression or mood swings, dry skin and
poor memory.
Conclusion
Make sure that you maintain a healthy diet that includes all
of the above recommendations. Take fish oil supplements to ensure that your
daily omega-3 fatty acid intake is adequate. Try not to eat too much meat,
which raises the level of omega-6 in your system and which can lead to other
problems. Snack on healthy things such as nuts and fruits for the benefits that
the omega-3 fatty acids can provide.
