Sources Of Omega 6 In Meat

Omega-6 is a polyunsaturated fatty acid which is considered to be essential to the human body because it cannot be produced without being consumed in the diet. The main use for omega-6 in the body is to promote healthy inflammation in cases where blood clotting is needed, such as a skin wound. Other functions of omega-6 include healthy brain function, hair and skin growth, general bone health, and regulating the metabolism.

Beef and Butter

Beef is a popular choice in meat for those who are not vegetarian. A 3-oz. serving of a tenderloin steak provides 460 mg of omega-6 essential fatty acid. Alternatively, ground beef contains 671 mg of omega-6 in a 3 ounce serving. Since omega-6 is a fat soluble substance, the animal's body naturally stores it in the fatty areas. Because of this beef fat separated from the meat has a much higher concentration of omega 6. Products which are made from cow's milk such as butter are also quite fatty and contain higher levels of omega 6.

Poultry and Eggs

The two most widely consumed birds are turkey and chicken. Turkey meat contains different amounts of omega-6 when white meat and dark meat are compared. On a roasted turkey, half the meat from one breast contains about 520 mg of omega-6, while the meat from one of the legs contains 2,351 mg. Chicken meat also contains a notable amount of omega-6, with about 560 mg in a roasted breast, and 1,663 mg in a roasted leg. Similarly to other animals, the chicken stores more of the essential fatty acids in fatty deposits under the skin. Omega-6 is found abundantly in the separable chicken fat at about 13,200 mg per 100 oz. Chicken eggs are also an abundant source of omega 6, with about 1,500 mg found in each yolk.

Fish and Shellfish

Fish is primarily known for being a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, but it actually contains more omega 6. Half of one can of light flaked tuna contains about 2,683 mg of omega-6 fatty acid. Other sea sources of omega-6 include shellfish such as clams and oysters in substantial amounts. Shrimp and lobster also contain some of this essential fatty acid, however only in trace amounts.