Omega-3 & Omega-6 Fatty Acids - The Ratio Between the Two Matters!
The intake balance between Omega-3 & Omega-6 Fatty Acids is very import.
This is why...
Recall the Arachidonic Acid (AA) Pathway...
Omega-3 & Omega-6 fatty acids both enter this pathway.
There are 2 outcomes which are enzyme driven:
They function as antihypertensives, platelet aggregators (when you have tissue damage & need to stop bleeding), certain smooth muscle contractions, stomach protection, neurotransmission, etc.
However, there are negative prostaglandins as well - meaning some of them have bad effects.
PGE2, for example, is one of the primary components responsible for inflammation.
There are 3 series of prostaglandins:
Anything we can do to decrease activity resulting from the AA pathway is beneficial.
Remember that Omega-3's & Omega-6's can go through the same pathway.
The Omega-3's are converted at a lower rate resulting in a lower quantity.
The products of this pathway are then degraded by enzymes.
This system, like many in the body, is in constant balance.
However, sometimes the production exceeds metabolism resulting in increased inflammation.
Omega-3's are inflammatory but to a lesser extent.
Additionally, they are produced slower resulting in fewer numbers.
This is one of the many benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids.
This is why...
Recall the Arachidonic Acid (AA) Pathway...
Omega-3 & Omega-6 fatty acids both enter this pathway.
There are 2 outcomes which are enzyme driven:
- Prostaglandins
- Eicosanoids
They function as antihypertensives, platelet aggregators (when you have tissue damage & need to stop bleeding), certain smooth muscle contractions, stomach protection, neurotransmission, etc.
However, there are negative prostaglandins as well - meaning some of them have bad effects.
PGE2, for example, is one of the primary components responsible for inflammation.
There are 3 series of prostaglandins:
- Series 1 - made from linoleic acid.
These prostaglandins relax blood vessles, improve circulation, lower blood pressure, decrease inflammation, improve nerve function, regulate calcium metabolism, improve T-cell function, and, lastly, prevent the release of Arachidonic Acid from cells.
- Series 2 - made from Arachidonic Acid.
They promote platelet aggregation, inflammation, sodium retention, and may influence heart disease, blood clots, increased cortisol production, etc. - Series 3 - made from EPA.
The primary function of series 3 prostaglandins is to prevent Arachidonic Acid release from cells.
Anything we can do to decrease activity resulting from the AA pathway is beneficial.
Remember that Omega-3's & Omega-6's can go through the same pathway.
The Omega-3's are converted at a lower rate resulting in a lower quantity.
The products of this pathway are then degraded by enzymes.
This system, like many in the body, is in constant balance.
However, sometimes the production exceeds metabolism resulting in increased inflammation.
Omega-3's are inflammatory but to a lesser extent.
Additionally, they are produced slower resulting in fewer numbers.
This is one of the many benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids.