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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Alleviate alcohol withdrawal symptoms: Evening primrose oil can relieve alcohol withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and improve brain and liver function.
5. 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. Information and Fact About Proteins Information and Fact About Proteins One of the three main classes of food. Proteins are made of amino acids, which are called the [...]
2. Gardening Modern Equipment Modern Gardening Equipment You keep on following the rules that in order for your plants to grow healthy, sufficient water, soil quality, and sunlight [...]
3. Thyrotoxicosis - Symptoms and Treatment Thyrotoxicosis - Symptoms and Treatment Description Thyrotoxicosis is an illness that does not affect many people. But there are still people that [...]
4. Low Carb Diet Program of your choice A Low Carb Diet Program of your choice! The markets are inundated with diet plans that will help you loose and be slim. The low carb [...]

Bookmark This Page:











Send Page to a Friend

Visitors' Blog

Nutrients

Allium Sativum
Almond Oil
Antacids
Apricots
Aspartame
Aspirin
Bee Pollen
Bromelain
Carbohydrates
Canola Oil
Carotenoids
Coconut Oil
Cod Liver Oil
Coenzyme Q10
Cranberry Juice
Curcumin
Dolomite
Dopamine
Dried Fruit And Nuts
Enzymes
Primrose Oil
Fats and Cholesterol
Fig
Flaxseed Oil
Grape Seed Extract
Hesperidin Power
Honey
Lactobacillus Acidophilus
Lecithin
Lemon Balm
Maize
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Peanut Butter
Phosphatidylserine
Pine Nuts
Proteins
Pycnogenol
Quercetin
Royal Jelly
Rutin
Spirulina
Desiccated Liver
Olive oil
Safflower Seed
Green Tea
McDonalds Nutrition
Alkaline Diet
Hydroponic Nutrients
Six basic Nutrients
Yohimbe