Fatty acids are dietary nutrients important for the healthy function of key structures and systems in the body. Two particularly important categories of fatty acids, classified as essential for health, are the omega-6 and omega-3. Unlike other fatty acids created by the body, omega-6 and omega-3 can only be obtained from our diet. Typically, foods that contain or are prepared with vegetable oils are rich in omega-6 while the primary dietary source of omega-3 is fatty fish.
A healthy diet should include a balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids
Regrettably, many Western diets often include too many fried, fatty foods that contain unhealthy levels of omega-6 fatty acids. Furthermore, many diets do not include the frequent consumption of fish leading to an unhealthy fatty acid ratio grossly in favor of omega-6 — as high as 30:1 by some estimates. Increasing dietary intake of omega-3 while reducing omega-6 intake will help restore a healthy ratio.
The scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of omega-3 is immense. More than 100,000 scientific studies have been published on the health benefits of fish and fish oil (Medline 1966-2004). From helping to balance the body’s natural immune response to supporting brain and cardiovascular functions,omega-3s have been widely proven in the scientific community.
Nutritional scientists recommend increasing daily consumption of omega-3 fatty acids to restore a healthy balance of fatty acids in the body. However, fresh sources of fish are not always available to consumers (and farmed fish are lower in omega-3s). Additionally, there is a growing concern regarding the high levels of toxins and heavy metals present in the fish populations from which the world’s fish markets are supplied. Health professionals have even recommended that at-risk populations, such as women during pregnancy, should not consume certain types of fish.
In searching for supplements search for those that guarantee sources fish that are free of toxins, contaminants, or heavy metals.
