Omega-6 essential fatty acid plays an important role in metabolism, growth and development, but your body cannot produce it. Omega-6 fatty acid, found in vegetable oils, nuts and seeds, should be incorporated into your diet along with omega-3 essential fatty acids at a ratio between two to one and four to one omega-6 to omega-3, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC.
Inflammation
Inflammatory properties of omega-6 fatty acid could cause inflammation, especially in your arteries. While experts disagree on the drawbacks of omega-6 fatty acid, some believe that consuming too much of the essential fatty acid could cause heart disease. According to MayoClinic.com preventive medicine specialist Donald Hensrud, M.D., eating sources of omega-6 fatty acid in moderation and in place of saturated fat could promote heart and brain health.
Lower Blood Pressure
Gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, a byproduct of omega-6 found in vegetable oil, may contribute to lower blood pressure in individuals with hypertension. More research is needed to determine whether such positive effects result from omega-6 alone or in combination with omega-3 fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, reports UMMC.
Improved Bone Density
According to UMMC, women with lower levels of essential fatty acids such as omega-6 may be more likely to suffer from bone loss and osteoporosis than those with adequate levels of essential fatty acids. Increased GLA and EPA consumption in women over the age of 65 could help slow bone loss or increase bone density.
Pain Relief
Talking GLA from vegetable oils may help alleviate pain from diabetic neuropathy, cyclic mastalgia and premenstrual syndrome, says UMMC.
Growth of Prostate Cancer Cells
A study conducted at the San Francisco VA Medical Center, led by director of the Laboratory of Cell Growth Millie Hughes-Fulford, PhD., tested the effects of omega-6 fatty acid on human prostate cancer cells in tissue culture. The study found that the introduction of omega-6 to the tumor cells caused the release of a molecule causing cell growth, and the tumors exposed to omega-6 grew twice as fast as those that weren't. If you're at risk of or have a family history of prostate cancer, avoid taking omega-6 fatty acid.
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