Understanding the Omega Fatty Acids
Understanding the Omega Fatty Acids
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WebMD Feature
By Peter Jaret
Reviewed By Louise Chang, MD
Nutritionists call omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids “essential” fats for good reason. The human body needs them for many functions, from building healthy cells to maintaining brain and nerve function. Our bodies can’t produce them. The only source is food.
These polyunsaturated fats are important for another reason. There’s growing evidence that they help lower the risk of heart disease. Some studies suggest these fats may also protect against type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and age-related brain decline.
Omega-6 mostly comes as linoleic acid from plant oils such as corn oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil, as well as from nuts and seeds. The American Heart Association recommends that at least 5% to 10% of food calories come from omega-6 fatty acids.
Omega-3s come primarily from fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna, as well as from walnuts and flaxseed in lesser amounts.
Scientists are still debating the optimal amount of fat in a healthy diet, as well as the best proportion of omega-6s and omega-3s. For now, there are several simple changes most of us could make to take advantage of their substantial health benefits.
Saturated fats, which come mostly from animal sources, raise LDL, the form of cholesterol that clogs arteries. Unsaturated fats from vegetable oils, nuts, and fish can help lower cholesterol levels.
“Replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats is still one of the healthiest changes most Americans can make,” says Jeannie Gazzaniga-Moloo, PhD, RD, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association.”
Examples of simple ways to make the switch include:
Nuts abound in omega-3s and omega-6s, which may explain why they have been shown to help protect against heart disease. In a 2010 analysis of four studies, researchers found that a weekly serving of nuts lowered the risk of dying of coronary heart disease by an impressive 8.3%.
Nuts make a satisfying and convenient snack, of course, but they’re also a great addition to meals.
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False
Understanding the Omega Fatty Acids
WebMD Feature
By Peter Jaret
Reviewed By Louise Chang, MD
Nutritionists call omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids “essential” fats for good reason. The human body needs them for many functions, from building healthy cells to maintaining brain and nerve function. Our bodies can’t produce them. The only source is food.
These polyunsaturated fats are important for another reason. There’s growing evidence that they help lower the risk of heart disease. Some studies suggest these fats may also protect against type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and age-related brain decline.
Omega-6 mostly comes as linoleic acid from plant oils such as corn oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil, as well as from nuts and seeds. The American Heart Association recommends that at least 5% to 10% of food calories come from omega-6 fatty acids.
Omega-3s come primarily from fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna, as well as from walnuts and flaxseed in lesser amounts.
Scientists are still debating the optimal amount of fat in a healthy diet, as well as the best proportion of omega-6s and omega-3s. For now, there are several simple changes most of us could make to take advantage of their substantial health benefits.
1. Switch from Butter and Cream to Unsaturated Oils
Saturated fats, which come mostly from animal sources, raise LDL, the form of cholesterol that clogs arteries. Unsaturated fats from vegetable oils, nuts, and fish can help lower cholesterol levels.
“Replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats is still one of the healthiest changes most Americans can make,” says Jeannie Gazzaniga-Moloo, PhD, RD, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association.”
Examples of simple ways to make the switch include:
- Sautéing in canola or other vegetable oil instead of butter
- Drizzling olive oil or another flavorful oil over vegetables
- Dipping bread in olive oil instead of spreading it with butter
- Using non-hydrogenated margarine in place of butter
- Making cream sauces with low-fat yogurt
- Favoring oil-based salad dressings over creamy dressings
2. Add Nuts to the Menu
Nuts abound in omega-3s and omega-6s, which may explain why they have been shown to help protect against heart disease. In a 2010 analysis of four studies, researchers found that a weekly serving of nuts lowered the risk of dying of coronary heart disease by an impressive 8.3%.
Nuts make a satisfying and convenient snack, of course, but they’re also a great addition to meals.
- Stir-fries with cashews or almonds
- Salads topped with walnuts
- Pesto sauce made with ground walnuts
- Baked chicken or trout with toasted almonds