Your health & omega-3 and omega-6 rich oils
Is it just me or does it feel like the conversation touting the dangers of omega-6 (seed) oils is happening everywhere?
While these oils are not suitable for cooking (those polyunsaturated fatty acids break down at high temperatures whether it's omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids), both omega-3 and omega-6 are absolutely essential for your health.
Why? Linoleic acid (the essential omega-6 fatty acid) is the fuel that feeds a number of necessary metabolic pathways in your body, and these pathways are absolutely essential for your health.
So, why are all omega-6's suddenly considered "bad"? Well, there are three main reasons for this:
- omega-6 rich oils were substituted for saturated fats in cooking back when everybody freaked out over saturated fats (and any polyunsaturated fatty acid, whether omega-3 or omega-6 will break down at high temperatures converting them into molecules that aren't good for your body).
- the Standard American Diet has way too high a ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats.
The optimal ratio is 4 to 1 omega-6 to omega-3 mostly because the enzymes in your body have a higher affinity for omega-3 than omega-6... your body is incredibly intelligent, and this is more than half the battle... when it comes to health, we can't get out of our own way).
So, if the optimal ratio is 4 to 1, then why are so many people saying "get these oils out of your diet yesterday"?
- We've become deathly afraid of the word inflammation. Omega-6 is associated with more pro-inflammatory pathways in your body than it is anti-inflammatory pathways... and that's actually a good thing.
Listen to this episode and click those links below to discover why.
Links and Resources
Difference between omega-3, omega-6, omega-9, and saturated fatty acids
Why omega-3 and omega-6 are necessary for your health
About the Author
Brandy's a formulation scientist and self-proclaimed health geek who loves hiking, gardening, bird-watching, and body boarding.
Her struggle with acne during her teens and 20s led to a holistic and healthy approach to skincare, embracing skin as an organ to be loved and cared for rather than a canvas to wage war on.
Since 2008, she's been developing all-in-one products for a simple routine at home, & Rain Organica started when her backpacking friends asked for a portable skincare routine to keep their skin healthy & happy on and off the trails.
You can try Rain Organica for yourself with The Essentials Kit, a complete skincare routine in just 3 steps.
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