Omega-6 fatty acids are among the 20 fatty acids needed by the body to function normally. Omega-6 fatty acids are one of two fatty acids that are considered "essential" which means they cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through diet and/or supplements. Omega-6 deficiency is common in the United States and is an underlying factor in many serious cardiovascular, reproductive, immune and nervous system conditions.
Symptoms of Omega-6 Deficiency
Dry hair, scaly skin and brittle nails are some of the surface effects of an omega-6 deficiency, but the damage goes much deeper. Diabetes, auto-immune disorders, slow wound healing, proclivity to viral infection, infertility, metabolic issues, and memory problems are just some of the long-term health issues that can result from an omega-6 deficiency.
Solutions for an Omega-6 Deficiency
It is fairly easy to get enough omega-6 unless you eat a diet that is very low in fat. Some food sources that are high in omega-6 are olives and olive oil, raw sunflower seed and unrefined sunflower seed oil, flaxseeds and flaxseed oil, hempseeds and hempseed oil, grapeseed oil, pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, pistachio nuts and leafy vegetables.
Why We Need Them
Essential fatty cids (EFA) are imperative for the regulation of crucial body functions (heart rate, blood pressure, immune response, conception, digestion) and help the body cope with stress, resist weight gain, prevent mineral loss, decrease cancer risk, decrease symptoms of mental illness, prevent deterioration of the liver and kidney, and many more important functions.
Tips
It is important that omega-3 and omega-6 levels are kept proportionate to each other. Americans who eat large amounts of processed foods are also consuming large amounts of soybean oil which contains omega-6. This consumption of highly refined omega-6 sources not only overloads the body with the least healthy form of omega-6, but also affects the balance of omega-6 and omega-3. For people who are concerned about ratios, eat a range of foods that contain both EFAs or a supplement that contains the perfect ratio.
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