Today, most people are eating way too many Omega-6 fatty acids. At the same time, consumption of animal foods high in Omega-3 is the lowest it has ever been. A distorted ratio of these polyunsaturated fatty acids may be one of the most damaging aspects of the Western diet. Our bodies don’t have the enzymes to produce them and therefore we must get them from the diet. An Omega-6:Omega-3 ratio that is too high can contribute to excess inflammation in the body, potentially raising the risk of all sorts of diseases.

 

Many nutrition experts believe that before we relied so heavily on processed foods, humans consumed omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in roughly equal amounts. But to our great detriment, most North Americans and Europeans now get far too much of the omega-6s and not enough of the omega-3s. This dietary imbalance may explain the rise of such diseases as asthma, coronary heart disease, many forms of cancer, autoimmunity and neurodegenerative diseases, all of which are believed to stem from inflammation in the body. The imbalance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may also contribute to obesity, depression, dyslexia, hyperactivity and even a tendency toward violence.

 

The most important thing you can do to reduce Omega-6 intake is to eliminate processed vegetable oils from your diet, as well as processed foods that contain them. Most people are storing immense amounts of Omega-6 fatty acids in their body fat stores and it can take years to get rid of them.

 

This is a simple guide to optimize your balance of the Omega fats:

 

1. Avoid vegetable oils high in Omega-6 (and the processed foods that contain them).
2. Eat plenty of Omega-3 rich animals, including something from the sea at least once or twice a week.
3. Supplement with an Omega-3 source like fish oil.

 

Personally, I try to eat fatty fish at least once or twice a week and I take supplemental forms of Omega-3 from quality sources.

 

Please visit our website www.cdrnaturals.com for more information on this and other great health topics. Remember this article is for information only. Do not make any changes in your diet or lifestyle without first consulting with your preventive health care provider. We always pray for your prosperity and health, 3 John 2, blessings, Donna.