Essential Fatty Acids – Omega 3 and Omega 6.
You have probably been told, especially when you are trying to lose weight, that you should eliminate fats from your diet. Well, that is not always the best advice – because not all fats are bad. Most of you have probably heard about saturated fats (bad) and unsaturated fats (good.)
There are 2 types of unsaturated fats – mono unsaturated and poly unsaturated. In order for the body to function properly, specific amounts of poly unsaturated fats, known as essential fatty acids, classified as omega 3 and omega 6, are absolutely necessary.
The body can not produce omega 3 and 6, so it is vital that your diet provides them. These essential fatty acids have several crucial functions in the body. They play a role in the production of certain hormones, and research has shown that both can protect against many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease.
Studies have indicated that these fatty acids should be eaten in a dietary ratio of 2 > 1 omega 6 and omega 3, for the best results.
The benefits of omega 6.
- is essential for the utilization of energy in the body.
- Promotes processing in the liver which is often overloaded by toxins from processed foods, alcohol, tobacco and environmental issues.
- It has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Is essential for growth and development throughout the life cycle.
Food sources of Omega 6 include poultry, eggs, nuts, whole-grain products and most vegetable oils.
The benefits of omega 3.
- Omega 3 helps to prevent fat storage and improves fat burning in the muscles.
- It helps to prevent diabetes by enhancing the body’s sensitivity to insulin, enabling the body to regulate blood insulin and glucose levels.
- Studies have shown omega 3 fatty acids also acted to reduce hunger signals, which can potentially help you to lose weight.
- Is also necessary for lifelong growth and development.
- Omega 3 is most important to reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease.
Key dietary supplies of omega 3 include fatty fish such as sardines, trout, tuna, mackerel, and salmon. Poultry, eggs, dairy products, lean beef, nuts, and seeds, are also good food sources of omega 3.
Omega 3 deficiency.
Symptoms of an omega 3 deficiency include fatigue, poor memory, dry skin, depression, poor circulation, and obesity.
Omega 6 deficiency.
Health complications from a lack of omega 6 may lead to eczema, water loss, hair loss, dry eyes, arthritis, high cholesterol, and heart problems.
Comprehensive research has proven that the essential fatty acids, omega 3 and omega 6, are indeed essential for all-round good health. Both kinds of these fatty acids are needed to support human life.
It is also important to have the proper ratio of omega 3 and omega 6 in your diet, as too much of one, or too little of the other may contribute to excess inflammation in the body.
Your weight and essential fatty acids.
If you are struggling to lose weight and suspect that your intake of essential fatty acids is insufficient, it could be part of the reason why you are overweight.
The Clean Start Weight Loss Program can help bring your essential fatty acids – and your weight – into line.
Visit us at www.renewmetoday.com to take the weight loss survey and see if you are a candidate for the program. You will also find out the location of the nearest Renew office.
References.
Live Strong.com
PCM.org/the physicians committee.
Linus Pauling, Oregon State University.
Bodybuilding.com
