Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Fatty Acids and You


What we know about fatty acids is constantly evolving and complex. By now most of us know how important omega-3 fatty acids and fish oil are in reducing inflammation and preventing heart disease. We also know that saturated fats, those fats found primarily in meats, are associated with heart disease. A recent study published on PLoS Medicine found a strong association between omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and a reduction in heart disease. Omega-6 fatty acids are found in most vegetables oils, such as sunflower oil, soybean oil, borage and blackcurrant seed oil, as well as as in avocados, nuts, eggs, and poultry. While omega-6 fatty acids are precursors to inflammatory prostaglandins, they are nevertheless important, even in the prevention of heart disease. No fatty acid is all bad or all good. Interestingly, this study did not find an association with omega-3 fatty acids and heart disease. The bottom line is that it is important to balance omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. 

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