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| omega-6 |
Omega-6 fatty acids belong to a group of "good" fats called polyunsaturated fatty acids. Unlike such "bad" fats as cholesterol and saturated fatty acids (which contribute to the worsening of a host of ailments including heart disease and other degenerative conditions), omega-6s can actually be beneficial to your health. Omega-6 fatty acids are one of two types of essential fatty acids (EFAs) that people need to consume to stay healthy. Omega-3s are the other. Both are considered "essential" because the body can't produce them on its own; it can only get them through foods. Omega-6 fatty acids are beneficial as well. The most healthful of the omega-6s are those that contain linoleic acid. These convert in the body to gamma linoleic acid (GLA) and ultimately to prostaglandins, hormonelike molecules that help regulate inflammation and blood pressure as well as heart, gastrointestinal, and kidney functions. The healing powers of a number of therapeutic oils rich in omega-6s--evening primrose oil (EPO), borage oil, black currant seed oil, and flaxseed oil among them--can be attributed to their high concentrations of GLA. Once processed by the body, GLA is converted into prostaglandins, hormonelike substances that can either block inflammation or promote it. GLA-rich supplements such as borage oil and evening primrose oil help calm inflammation. This can make them an attractive treatment option for many inflammatory conditions. Good dietary sources of omega-6 fatty acids include cereals, eggs, poultry, most vegetable oils, whole-grain breads, baked goods, and margarine. If you take omega-6s in borage oil supplements over several months, you need to be under a doctor's supervision. In some cases, periodic liver function tests may be necessary. •Although borage oil is a possible alternative to evening primrose oil for omega-6s, far less information is available on its safety and effectiveness. |