Diet Supplements

Exactly What is Omega 3, 6, 9 Good For?

February 3, 2010
By Laurel Cohen

In case you were wondering what is omega 3 6 9 good for, here’s a look at the subject. They are all polyunsaturated fatty acids that are often included in nutritional supplements and skincare products. Let’s start with the importance of fat in the diet.

Dietary fats are not the same as what we think of as fat on our bodies. The fat stores or adipose tissues help to keep our bodies warm. There is a fatty tissue layer deep beneath the skin’s surface. Its primary purpose is warmth and protection from injury, as it serves as a kind of cushion.

Fats must be present in the diet in order to replenish the fatty layer of tissue. They are also necessary for the creation of new cellular membranes, neurons and brain cells.

Certain vitamins, such as E, cannot be absorbed by the body, if fat is not present. Hormones are composed of fats. Fats or triglycerides in the bloodstream serve as transportation vehicles for nutrients.

Too much dietary fat is bad. Too many triglycerides in the bloodstream are a risk factor for heart disease. Some types of fats are worse than others. Generally speaking, polyunsaturated fats are better for your health than saturated or trans-fats.

When it comes to; what is omega 3 6 9 good for, we need to look at each one. The numbers indicate the location of the double carbon bond. Why that is important is complicated and not completely understood. But, researchers have looked at what effect each number has on animals in laboratory studies. They have also measured blood levels in people suffering from different diseases, to see if there is a relation. It is easier to understand the results of that research. So, let’s look at the numbers.

Nine

The omega-9s include oleic, erucic and mead acids. Unlike the 3s and 6s, they are not essential to the human diet. In other words, we can live without them. Only a little research has been conducted concerning them. Too much in the diet may increase the risk of some types of cancer, but the evidence is not convincing.

If you ask some supplement manufacturers, “What is omega 3 6 9 good for?” They will tell you that the “mix” is more natural. Actually, it’s just an advertising strategy. Fish oil naturally contains all three. The better companies list the amount present in each of their capsules on the label. Ideally, the 6s and 9s should be a small amount of the mix.

Six

When companies tell you what is omega 3 6 9 good for, they should also explain that must people, particularly Americans, get too many 6s in their diets. The 6-3 ratio is what has researchers concerned. They have found that a high intake of 6s and a low intake of 3s cause chronic inflammation, which plays a role in cancer and heart disease.

Three

Increased intake of omega-3s has been associated with numerous health benefits, including lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, a reduced risk of heart disease and a reduction in certain kinds of cancer. The supplements may be beneficial for depression, diabetes, age-related eye diseases, allergies, arthritis and a number of other conditions.

So, here’s the bottom line. What is omega 3 6 9 good for? It is the 3s that we really need to get more of.

Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily.

Visit her site http://www.omega-3-for-health.com to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health.

Share and Enjoy: