Fatty Acid Balance Is The Key To Health

Dietary fat has 6 major roles in the body:

1. It provides a source of energy
2. It help balance and make hormones
3. It forms cell membranes
4. It helps construct our brain and nervous system
5. It helps transport the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K; and
6. It provides 2 essential fatty acids that the body can’t make: linoleic acid (omega 6-fatty acid) and linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acid).

Overall health is determined by the balance of fatty acids consumed. In excess and out of balance combination can lead inflammation. Healthy fats, which include omega fats are so named for their beneficial effects on blood triglycerides and cholesterols, blood vessels, metabolism, and inflammation. Humans evolved by consuming a diet consisting of marine life, inland plants, and wild game which provided ample omga-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The balance, however, resulted in a omega-6/omega-3 ratio that was around 1:1. Our diet has now evolved to the point where this ratio has shifted to an skewed 16:1 to 20:1. This distortion comes from a high intake  of omega-6 fatty acids from corn oil, safflower oil, meat from animals that eat high amounts of corn (rather than grass). Therefore, to achieve a healthy ratio, we must balance the omega-6 to omega-3 fats in our diets.

The most recognized omega-3 fats are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Plants products such as flax and walnuts are rich in ALA, while marine sources like fish, and algae have beneficial levels of omega-3 fats. Omgega-3 fats also release eicosanoids which promote anti-inflammatory effects.

Science has shown that omega-6 and omega-3 fats have opposite effects. Therefore, in order to reduce inflammation and promote health, we must consume a diet that maintains a fundamental balance between the actions stimulated by omega-3 and omega-6 fats.

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