Omega-6 fatty acids are a type of unsaturated fat present in many different foods. There is some controversy as to whether omega-6 fatty acids are bad for you, especially in relation to omega-3 fatty acids, a similar type of fat. As with most components of the average diet, moderation is key when consuming omega-6 fatty acids.
Identification
Omega-6 fatty acids are a type of unsaturated fat. Your body can't make these fatty acids, the University of Maryland Medical Center explains, so you have to get them from your diet, which causes them to be classified as "essential" fatty acids. Sources of omega-6 fatty acids include meats, nuts and vegetable oils. These fats are needed for the brain to function properly, and they stimulate the growth of your skin and hair. They also play a role in regulating your metabolism and reproductive system.
Controversy
Some people believe that omega-6 fatty acids are bad and promote heart disease. These researchers think that omega-6 fatty acids are metabolized into a different kind of fatty acid, which causes inflammation and swelling of the tissue that lines the walls of the arteries, MayoClinic.com explains. This swelling could narrow the arteries, cutting off blood flow and potentially triggering heart disease. However, this research is incorrect, MayoClinic.com explains; omega-6 fatty acids are safe when consumed in moderation.
Uses
Omega-6 fatty acids can be used to treat a variety of health problems, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. One type of omega-6 fatty acid, known as gamma-linolenic acid or GLA, can be used to relieve pain caused by diabetic neuropathy. Gamma-linolenic acid may also be able to reduce inflammation, relieving some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and asthma. Other potential uses for omega-6 fatty acids include the treatment of ADHD, multiple sclerosis, menopause, eczema and osteoporosis.
Balance
You should try to get between 5 and 10 percent of your calories each day from omega-6 fatty acids, the American Heart Association recommends. This typically means consuming between 12 and 22 g of these fats each day from nuts, vegetable oils and other sources. It is also important to consume enough omega-3 fatty acids to help balance out the omega-6 effects; a good ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 is between 2:1 and 4:1, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports.
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