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For free friendly advice or to order over the phone with a card call: 01772 883950
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0mega 3, 6, 9 EFA
Omega 3 6 9 EFA’s are a group of nutrients that are essential for good health. Technically, only omega 3 and 6 are essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are nutritional elements that are necessary for health, but your body does not manufacture them. You must get them in your diet. Our bodies do produce omega 9 fatty acids, but they are discussed here because they are similar to the other omega fatty acids. Omega 3 6 9 EFA’s are all polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUVA’s).
Omega 3
Omega 3 EFA’s are the most important nutritionally to people who eat the Standard American Diet (SAD).
The three most important omega 3 EFA’s are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The body converts ALA to EPA and DHA.
Omega 3 fatty acids are important in the inflammatory response and are important in preventing heart disease, arthritis and other chronic health conditions.
Omega 3 fatty acids are meeded for intrauterine development, so they are a necessary nutrient for healthy pregnancy.
Omega 6
Omega 6 fatty acids are necessary for healthy growth, healing and immunity. People who eat a Western diet rarely have omega 6 deficiencies, because it is found in most vegetable oils and processed foods.
Omega 6 fatty acids compete with omega 3’s and block their activity. Americans are more likely to get too much omega 6 EFA’s than too little.
Omega 9
Omega 9 fatty acids are not nutritionally essential because our bodies produce them.
Omega 3-Omega 6 Ratio
The most important consideration when considering omega EFA’s is the ratio between omega 3 and omega 6 EFA’s. Because they compete with each other, the proper ratio between them is extremely important. The ideal omega 6:omega 3 ratio is 3:1 to 5:1.
The Standard American Diet is high in omega 6 EFA’s and provides an omega6:omega 3 ratio of between 10:1 and 30:1. That means that the effects of omega 6 EFA’s outweigh the effects of omega 3’s. Mediterranean diets contain a better ratio of omega EFA’s.
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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.
Mind1st Information Line: 01772 883950
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