Omega 6: benefits and content
Anyone wants to look beautiful, feel healthy and happy. This largely depends on the quality of our diet and on the amount of nutrients entering our body. One of these essential elements is omega-6 fatty acid.
Omega 6 benefits
This substance is a whole set of unsaturated fatty acids that are responsible for the normal functioning of all cells in our body. Suffice it to say that two-thirds of any cell consists of EFAs. These substances are very important for the normal function of the cell membrane. If these acids are insufficient, then the membrane dries up and does not fulfill its purpose well. According to the latest scientific data, it is enough for an adult to consume up to 14 grams of omega-6 per day. Moreover, in hot weather, this amount should be reduced.
Omega-6 is responsible for the protective properties of cells and prevents the destruction of cell membranes under the influence of the ecology of modern cities. Omega-6 benefits only in the right ratio with another unsaturated fatty acid called omega-3. They complement each other. With the optimal ratio of these two EFAs in the body, eicosanoids are formed in sufficient quantities, which are responsible for transmitting signals between the cells of the body, controlling the contraction of smooth muscles in the body and affecting the work of many systems. The best ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 is 4: 1. Imbalance leads to many diseases.
Under the influence of omega-6 in the body:
- Brain activity improves.
- Immunity is strengthened.
- Reduces the amount of cholesterol.
- Toxic substances are removed faster.
- Bone tissue is restored and work improves hearts.
- Age-related changes slow down.
Omega 6 harm
An overabundance of omega-6 is very dangerous for the body. The fact is that this EFA thickens the blood and slows down the metabolism. In addition, in large quantities, it provokes the development of cancer, causes arthritis, migraines, asthma, heart disease, and also has a bad effect on blood vessels. In ordinary life, a person does not need large reserves of omega-6.
If your body has high levels of omega-6, then you will inevitably suffer from obesity or diabetes. It has been scientifically proven that omega-6 in large quantities has a negative effect on the state of the nervous system. Hence, we can conclude that the content of this acid in the body should be reduced.
Where is omega 6 found
Omega-6 fatty acids include linoleic acid and gamma-linoleic acid. They are found in sufficient quantities in vegetable oils such as corn, safflower and sunflower. Gamma linoleic acid is especially beneficial. It helps cure multiple sclerosis, arthritis, skin diseases, diabetes and other ailments. But even with such a beneficial effect on the body, you do not need to increase the amount of vegetable oils in your diet. It will be enough to improve the quality of the oil used. It is best to use cold first pressed oil for food, if possible unrefined.
In addition to unrefined vegetable fats and oils, a lot of omega-6 is found in sesame seeds, unroasted sunflower seeds, cedar nuts, and unprocessed pistachios. Contains omega-6 and other plant oils, which are usually used by humans as a dietary supplement. These oils include seed oil black currant, evening primrose oil and borage oil.
Omega-6 is also found in animal products. These include eggs, salted lard, offal and butter.
