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For free friendly advice or to order over the phone with a card call: 01772 883950
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Difference Omega 3 and Omega 6
Omega 3 and omega 6 are both types of fatty acids that our bodies need for healthy functioning. Chemically, the difference between omega 3 and omega 6 is the location of the first double carbon bond in each molecule. Biologically, however, there are several differences between omega 3 and omega 6. Under ideal conditions, omega 3 and omega 6 are balanced, and interact in an intricate way that helps our bodies grow and function.
Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids both produce eicosanoids that are biologically active. They compete for the same enzymes in order to produce the eicosanoids. If the fatty acids are fairly well balanced, their effects are balanced. If one is more prevalent, the effect of that fatty acid is prevalent.
The eicosanoids produced by omega 3 fatty acids decrease inflammation, impair clotting, stabilize electrical impulses between cells and dilate blood vessels.
The eicosanoids produced by omega 6 fatty acids have increase inflammation and aid clotting.
There are many systems of checks and balance in our bodies, and this is one of them. The omega 6 metabolites are needed for healthy immunity and for healing. The inflammatory response brings needed nutrients and immune factors into play so that we can fight off biological threats. The opposite effect exerted by the omega 3 metabolites keeps the inflammatory response in check.
Our Western diet is very unbalanced between omega 3 and omega 6 oils. We get large amounts of omega 6 oils and very little omega 3. That imbalance keeps the omega 6 inflammatory response going far beyond what our bodies need. This overactivation results in degenerative diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, arthritis, diabetes and many other disorders.
That is why it is important to get balanced amounts of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. The exact balance between the two nutrients is not clear, but the ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 should be somewhere between 1:1 and 4:1. Western diets contain a ratio of 10:1 to 30:1. We need both omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids, but we need them in balance. | | |
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For free friendly advice or to order over the phone with a card call: 01772 883950
Omega 3 fish oils Pure EPA is available exclusively from mind 1st.
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