The body synthesizes more than 40 fatty acids, which it needs for functioning. Only two fatty acids have to come from diet, because they don't occur naturally in the body. Known as "essential" fatty acids, linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid act as the building blocks that form omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These acids are the basic fats that the body needs, but cannot produce for itself. Because they work on the cellular level, the fatty acids have a positive effect on nearly all the body's organ systems.
Function
Omega fatty acids help all the tissues in the body to function properly. Without them, the liver and kidneys malfunction, the blood undergoes changes and growth rate slows. The omegas contribute to maintaining a fully-functioning immune system. Without enough of these fatty acids, depression would set in and the probability of heart disease, stroke and atherosclerosis would rise. In the absence of omega-3 and omega-6, the symptoms of ulcerative colitis, menstrual pain and joint pain would increase. They can stimulate hair and skin growth, help bones stay healthy and improve brain function.
Uses
Studies abound on the uses of omega-3 fatty acids. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it has successfully treated high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, osteoporosis, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADD, skin disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, macular degeneration, menstrual pain, colon cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer. Omega-6s treat diabetic neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, ADD, eczema, hypertension, breast cancer, menopausal symptoms, breast pain, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis and premenstrual syndrome.
Sources
Omega-3s and omega-6s come from the foods you eat. According to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, omega-6 sources include leafy vegetables, seeds, nuts and grains, as well as vegetable oil made from corn, safflower, soybeans, cottonseed, sesame seed and sunflower seed. Omega-3s come from fish such as halibut, tuna, salmon and mackerel and also flaxseed, linseed, canola, walnut, wheat germ and soybean oils. The solid form of flax meal, walnuts, soybeans and mungo beans, an Indian food called "urid," also supply omega-3s.
Balance
These two fatty acids sound too good to be true, but there is a catch. If omega-6 occurs in the body in greater amount than omega-3, it takes over and doesn't allow omega-3 to do its job. Due to dietary changes in recent years, omega-6 has come in abundant supply. Processed foods and cooking oils supply more omega-6s than the body needs. Trying to have omega-3 catch up becomes a tedious balancing act. You have three options. You can carefully include the foods rich in omega-3 in your diet, consciously eliminate or decrease the amount of omega-6s you consume or opt to take a daily supplement of omega-3 fish oil or flaxseed oil, which converts to omega-3. Whichever balancing act you choose, your benefits will out-weigh the effort you apply. Make sure you check with your doctor before making major changes in your diet or before adding supplements.
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