Vitamins Information (Home) > Nutrients > Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Information on Omega-6 Fatty Acids
There are two types of essential fatty acids (EFAs) that people need to consume to stay healthy:- Omega-3 fatty acids and Omega-6 fatty acids. Both are considered "essential" because the body can't produce them on its own; it can only get them through foods.
Omega-6 (along with omega-3) belongs to a family of fats called essential fatty acids. Members of the omega-6 fat family, found in plants, meat and dairy products, contain essential fatty acids (EFAs) that, like those in the omega-3 family, are essential for growth and health.
The optimum balance of EFAs in your body is twice as much omega-6 fats as omega-3.
Omega-6 Oils Supplements
Evening primrose oil is a popular supplement and capsules containing 500-1000mg are widely taken. It is thought to be safe to take up to 5g daily. For best absorption, take at mealtimes with vitamin E.
Deficiency Symptoms of Omega-6 Fatty Acids
- Fatigue
- Dry Skin or Eczema
- High Blood Pressure
- Depression
- Obesity
- Frequent Illness
- Memory Problems
Health Benefits of Omega-6 Fatty Acids
- Beneficial for arthritis- Reduce pain and inflammation: Evening primrose oil (rich source of omega-6 oils), when taken with fish oils is particularly effective in reducing the pain and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Reduce the symptoms of eczema: Evening primrose oil is now available on prescription to treat eczema because it helps to reduce itching and inflammation, and encourages healing.
- Relieve symptoms of PMS (Premenstrual syndrome): Evening primrose oil may reduce symtoms of bloating, water retention, irritability and depression, which are common symptoms of PMS and the menopause.
- Alleviate alcohol withdrawal symptoms: Evening primrose oil can relieve alcohol withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and improve brain and liver function.
- Obesity: Certain types of omega-6 fats may encourage your body to convert fat into energy, therefore helping you to lose weight.
Sources of Omega-6 Fatty Acids
1-2 tablespoons of the following as oils, or 2-3 tablespoons of ground seeds, daily is considered optimal intake:
- Evening primrose oil
- Borage oil
- Safflower oil
- Sunflower oil
- Blackcurrant and sesame seeds
- Wheatgerm oil
VISITOR COMMENTS on "Information on Omega-6 Fatty Acids": 
 |
More Articles |
 |
1. Copper Information: Deficiency, Benefits, Food Sources
Copper - Converts Iron into Haemoglobin
Information on Deficiency, Benefits, Food Sources
The first conclusive evidence to show that copper was an essential element for the formation [...]
|
2. Food and Vitamins: Get most vitamins from your food
Food and Vitamins Helpful tips: How to get most vitamins from your food?
Wash but don't soak fresh vegetables, if you hope [...]
|
3. Pineapples
Pineapples
The pineapple is believed to be a native of Brazil and was introduced in Europe by Columbus. Afterwards it spread everywhere. The pineapples grown in Burma, Malaysia [...]
|
4. Live A Balanced Life
Live A Balanced Life
Summary-We cannot live an always balanced life, but this article will teach you how to live a balanced life.
We all want [...]
|
|
Bookmark This Page:
Send Page to a Friend
Visitors' Blog
|
Nutrients
|
