Originally published May 18 2010
Clear up the Misconceptions about Omega 6 fatty acids
by Andrew Kim
(NaturalNews) Popular opinion says that we need more omega 3, and that too much omega 6 and too little omega 3 will cause cancer and inflammation. Omega 6 fats have been so vilified and misunderstood in the health community that they have become the new saturated fat or cholesterol.
Most of us are getting too much omega 6. However, there is no insight in that statement because most of the omega 6 in our diets is highly processed and therefore, poisonous. We must avoid ALL supermarket oils and add in COLD PROCESSED, ORGANIC OMEGA 6 RICH OILS. Omega 6 fatty acids, or linoleic acid, are essential to health. The body cannot make them, so they must be replenished in the diet regularly.
Oils rich in omega 6 include:
- pumpkin seed oil
- sunflower oil
- safflower oil
- evening primrose oil
- borage oil
- hemp seed oil
Super-market vegetable oils, the major source of omega 6 for people, are extremely dangerous. The omega 6 in these oils are completely ruined by processing and offer no benefits.
So why are functional omega 6 fatty acids so critical? They have structural, protective, and regulatory roles in the entire body. The body is composed of over 100 trillion cells, a large chunk of which is functional omega 6 fatty acids.
Omega 6 fats also break down into hormone-like compounds called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are made as needed and have extremely important regulatory functions in the body. Gamma linolenic acid, which is an omega-6 derivative, is a precursor to the series 1 prostaglandins. PGE1, a series 1 prostaglandin, is an extremely potent anti-inflammatory! Only the functional omega 6 from organic, cold pressed sources can perform this function.
Omega 6 also produces arachidonic acid, which gives rise to the series 2 prostaglandins. PGI2, a series 2 prostaglandin, prevents blood platelets from sticking together, as good as and safer than blood thinning pharmaceuticals! Arachidonic acid can also be found in animal products, like grass-fed meats.
Functional omega 6 fatty acids from organic sources are vital for optimal health. It is the primary fat transported by cholesterol in the body and the predominant fat in the phospholipid by-layer of cell membranes. What is more, cholesterol and omega 6 are the primary lipids found in the skin. Therefore, adequate, functional omega 6 intake will soften and strengthen skin.
Omega 6 fatty acids benefit the cardiovascular system, integumentary system, cell structure, brain and eye health and musculoskeletal system and offer protection to the gastrointestinal tract. Synthetic prostaglandins manufactured by pharmaceutical companies cost hundreds of dollars. However, eliminating the bad vegetable oils (which we are all consuming) and increasing functional omega 6 from organic, cold-pressed oils will ensure you are getting maximal benefits.
Sources:
1.Textbook of Medical Physiology (Guyton)
2.Biochemistry (Stryer)
3.Pharmacology (Rang and Dale)
4.The Hidden Story of Cancer (Peskin)
About the author
Andrew Kim
[email protected]
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