Fats are needed in the body. In fact, fatty tissues help cushion our organs and skeletal system as well as other important functions. The fact that people should remember, however, is the intake of the right kinds of fat. There are two essential fatty acids in the body that play an important role, omega 6 fatty acids and omega 3 fatty acids.
Omega 6 Food Sources
- Omega 6 is also known as Linoleic acid or LA.
- This is the essential fatty acid that is found in ample supply.
- Studies have shown that people’s consumption of omega 6 have increased since the year 1940.
- Some examples of omega 6 sources include:
- Safflower oil
- Sunflower oil
- Corn oil
- Sesame oil
- Pumpkin oil
- Hemp oil
- Walnut oil
- Soybean oil
- Evening primrose oil
- Wheatgerm oil
Omega 3 Food Sources
- Omega 3, on the other hand, has helpful functions in the body such as reducing inflammation, maintains fluidity of cell membranes, lowers fat in the bloodstream, and inhibits arterial thickening and much more.
- It is studied that an increased intake of omega 3 fatty acids is beneficial to human health.
- Healthiest food for omega 3 plant and animal based sources include
-
- Flaxseeds
- Chinook salmon
- Walnuts
- Cooked soybeans
- Sardines
- Boiled/steamed shrimp
- Broiled/baked halibut
- Broiled/baked snapper
- Raw tofu
- Broiled/baked scallops
Omega 3 and Omega 6 Food Sources
- In order to remain healthy, there should be a balance between omega 3 fatty acids and omega 6 fatty acids in the body.
- According to studies, the best ratio should be about 3:1
- There should be three omega 6 fatty acids for every one omega 3 fatty acids to keep the body healthy.