Flaxseed and sunflower oils are polyunsaturated fats that provide arachiodonic acid, which is an essential fatty acid that is incorporated into your cell membranes. EPA---eicosapentaenoic acid is formed from the consumption of linoleic acid found in both oils, that evenutally becomes the triggering mechanism for your immune system.
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil is derived from the seeds of the linseed plant. It is rich is omega-3 fatty acids, but also contains a high level of magnesium, mangenese, copper, zince and selenium notes Organic Facts. Flaxseed oil is recommended as a supplement, rather than use as a cooking oil. Flaxseed oil is not heat stable and will burn quickly when heat is applied to it.
Omega-3 Fats
Omega-3 fats are rich in DHA---docosahexaenoic acid and EPA, which promote anti-inflammatory immune system response. This means, your immune system doesn't get out of control and attack your body like producing symptoms of arthritis. In addition to decreased inflammation, flaxseed oil is useful in decreasing your risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels, according to University of Maryland Medical Center.
Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E, choline and phenolic acids. Sunflower oil has cardiovascular protective effects because of the mono- and polyunsaturated fat mixture. Sunflower oil is best known for being rich in linoleic, oleic acid and the antioxidant vitamin E according to National Sunflower Association. Sunflower oil is heat stable and makes an excellent cooking oil.
Omega-6 Fats
Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid that participates in proper blood clotting, regulation of blood pressure, cellular health and metabolism. Your body uses this omega-6 fatty acid to produce arachidonic acid which becomes incorporated inside your cell membranes according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.
Balancing Act
In the Western diet, omega-6 fats are abundant through the use of plant based oils like sunflower, safflower, vegetable and soybean oils for cooking. Omega-3 fats have gotten attention in the past two decades because of the anti-inflammatory response these fats give to your cells. EPA that is produced from omega-6 oils has a higher tendency to promote pro-inflammatory immune responses, meaning your body releases more prostaglandins and leukotrienes according to the Linus Pauling Institute. These two immune system responses can form a feedback loop that goes out of control and possibly leads to attacking your body tissues. The focus with omega-3 fats is the downplay of this immune system response and lessening inflammation in the body as seen with persons who suffer from arthiritis. To balance the effect, omega-3 and 6 fats need to be consumed in a 1:1 ratio according to the Linus Pauling Institute.
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