THE IMPORTANCE OF OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS

Why Is Fat Important?
Fats (aka lipids) are used for structural and metabolic functions; fat is necessary for the transportation of hormones within the body. Vitamins A,D,E, & K are fat-soluble, meaning they can only be digested, absorbed, and transported when combined with fats. Fats allow for the maintenance of healthy skin and hair. Fat protects our organs, regulates our body temperature, maintains healthy cell function, and supports brain function.

What Are Fatty Acids?
There are two types of Fatty Acids: Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) and NON-Essential Fatty Acids. Essential Fatty acids are necessary for human health, but the body cannot make them. Therefore, in order to maintain good health, we must consume Essential Fatty Acids.

How Do You Get Essential Fatty Acids?
There are 2 types of EFAs: alpha-linolenic acid (an Omega-3 Fatty Acid) and linoleic acid (an Omega-6 fatty acid).

It is important that we have a healthy balance of Omega-3 and Omega-6. The ratio should be 2:1-4:1, Omega-6 to Omega-3.

Omega-3
Flaxseeds
Walnuts
Salmon
Sardines
Soybeans
Halibut
Shrimp
Tofu
Snapper
Scallops

Omega-6
Various Seeds & Nuts
Refined vegetable oils, like soy oil (which is in almost every packaged food)

Keep This in Mind:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids reduce inflammation where as some Omega-6 Fatty Acids tend to promote inflammation.

The average diet provides plenty of Omega-6, so supplements are not usually necessary. Omega- 6 is found in almost every kind of processed food out there. Overload of Omega-6 can be dangerous, leading to inflammation, asthma, coronary artery disease, and Cancer.