For several years now we’ve been hearing we need our daily dose of Omega 3 fatty acids. We also hear that we need a 1:1 balance between Omega 3s and Omega 6s.
So what do these fatty acids do in the body? Why do we need them?
Omega 3s create brain health, smoother skin and are heart healthy. We need them. Omega 6 fatty acids do pretty much the same thing and are found in vegetable oils and seafood. Omega 3/6 fatty acids are not made is sufficient amounts in the body.
The problem with Omega 6 fatty acids is that they tend to create inflammation in the body. Balancing them 1:1 with Omega 3s is the right proportion.
So where do we find and consume Omegas??
The Omega 3 fatty acids are found most abundantly in fish and plankton. In fact, the original source of most sea life omegas is from marine phytoplankton. Fish consume the plankton and other sea vegetables and then become an abundant source of Omega 3 fatty acids.
On the other hand, most Americans consume far too much Omega 6 fatty acids from sunflower oil, wheat germ oil, soybean oil and margarine to name a few. In fact, the research indicates that Americans consume a ration of 25:1 Omega 6 to Omega 3 oils.
This is an enormous problem as it paves the way for deep inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a key precursor to disease in the body. In fact when arterial walls become inflamed , plaque is sent from the liver to quell the inflammation. With sufficient inflammation we see a build up arterial plaque and narrowing of the arteries. So inflammation and free radical damage create arteriosclerosis.
So if you want to create better brain health, stronger hair, nails and more beautiful skin, eating fish oils or phytoplankton would be a great idea. Right?
Not necessarily. The problem is industrial waste dumped into the oceans. Mercury, lead, cadmium and other heavy metals are found in the medium and larger fish we commonly consume. This goes for snapper, tuna and salmon.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news here but I would not consume these fish more than once per month. Fish caught in the Arctic waters as well as some stream caught fish would be a better choice. I would not consume farm raised fish as they swim and consume feces of other fish in overcrowded fish farms.
Also they are higher in Omega 6s than other sea fish.
Contact Steven West at heartwest@gmail.com
