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Omega-3 and Omega-6 oils
Can you explain the difference between omega-3 and omega-6 oils. Which are best and what exactly do they do?
Both omega-3 and omega-6 oils are essential fatty acids and what the word essential means, in this context, is that the body cannot make them but must source both from the diet.
Every cell in the body needs fatty acids to make new cells, and they are critical for the transmission of nerve impulses and for healthy brain development and functioning which is why they have had so much recent mainstream attention for their usefulness in treating conditions such as attention deficit disorder (ADD) and hyperactivity in young children.
All fats are a mixture of fatty acids composed of carbon molecules linked with attached hydrogen and oxygen atoms but the molecular structure can vary, which is what marks the difference between the so-called saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. What few people realise is that all fats are a mixture of all three types of fatty acid - but the one that predominates determines the overall classification.
Both omega-3 and omega-6 are polyunsaturated fats and, just to add to the confusion, they are also known as linolenic acid and linoleic acid respectively. The Omega-6 fats make up a third of the brain's grey matter and so while both play a similar role in key body functions there are subtle differences. Omega-3 fats are, for example, more important in protecting against inflammation related to conditions such as arthritis.
Since you need both fats for a range of functions from hormone production to brain power, the question is not really which one is best but how to source them and how to make sure you boost your intake from the less available omega-3 fats.
Flax is an excellent source of omega-3 fats and a teaspoon of Barlean's organic flax oil complex (available from Healthy and Essential on 08700 536000, where a 473ml bottle costs £16.99) will take care of this. To make sure you are getting plenty of omega-6 fats, eat more oily fish, nuts and seeds.