Omega 3, 6 and 9 acids – how do they differ?

omega 3 6 9Unsaturated fatty acids are considered to be the most valuable fats. They cannot be synthesized by the body – which means they have to be provided with the diet. Among omega acids, there are omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9 acids that differ in location of the double bonds and the number of them. Which in turn determines their biological activity and health-promoting properties.

Omega 3 – the most important fatty acids

Omega 3 are fatty acids with the most beneficial influence on the body. At the same time, they are the unsaturated fatty acids with the biggest deficiencies in the body. It arises both from the limited consumption of omega 3 acids with the diet, as well as disturbed proportions between the omega 3 and omega 6.

The proper omega 3 to omega 6 ratio is 1:4 – whereas in the diet these proportions are very imbalanced and can be up to 1:15 and more. Which limits the health-promoting properties of omega 3.

The diet can provide us with the omega 3 acids: DHA, EPA and ALA. The most valuable source of omega 3 acids in the diet is saltwater fish, cold pressed plant oils, flaxseed, chia seeds, avocado, nuts. They have a very beneficial impact on functioning of heart, brain, joints and bones, they support immunity, prevent inflammations, can limit the risk of cancer.

Omega 6 and 9 – do we need them too?

Omega 6 are fatty acids that we get in big quantities from the diet – way too big. When consumed in moderate amounts – they show properties similar to omega 3 acids. But their excessive consumption leads to intensified inflammations in the body, they may increase the chances of getting heart diseases or cancers, they raise the blood cholesterol level. That’s why it is so important to restore the right proportions and increase the supply of omega 3.

Omega 9 on the other hand are fatty acids that can be synthesized in the body, which means that supplying them with the diet is a secondary issue. There is one conclusion – it is essential to get large amounts of omega 3 acids from the diet, as well as supplements. Omega 3 capsules make it possible to easily provide as much as 1 g of omega 3 acids a day. That’s the optimal dosage of omega 3 – with the daily requirement being about 2 g, you’re getting half the required amount while taking comprehensive care of your health.

Joanna Łysak Author

Dietetyk i certyfikowany ekspert żywienia i ketozy. Zwolenniczka zdrowego stylu życia i zdrowej diety, propagatorka trendu clean label, praktyk diety ketogenicznej i postu przerywanego. W pracy i życiu prywatnym stawia na brak kompromisów – sięga wyłącznie po produkty i suplementy diety najwyższej jakości.

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