Omega Fatty acids

27 Aug 2023 2 mins Download PDF

Omega Fatty acids

1. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) or called as “essential” fatty acids are Omega-3 and Omega-6.
2. They play in controlling two key body processes:
   1. Blood clotting
   2. Inflammation.
3. It prepares the body to fight back infection and injury but for prolonged periods can also cause severe damage and chronic illnesses.
4. Both have to be in right ratio to maintain good health.
5. Omega-3:
   1. Reduces the formation of molecules and substances that lead to inflammation.
   2. Fish-eating communities had lesser prevalence of heart attacks because of omega-3.
   3. Reduces triglycerides, increases HDL and keeps blood platelets from clumping together.
   4. Three types of Omega-3:
      1. ALA (alpha linolenic acid)
      2. DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid)
      3. EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid). 
   5. A maximum of 3 grams can be consumed in a day.
6. Omega-6:
   1. They are found in walnuts, safflower oil, peanut butter and avocado oil.
   2. Helps to stimulate skin and hair growth, maintain bone health, regulate metabolism and maintain the reproductive system.
   3. A maximum of 11 to 20 grams a day can be consumed a day.
7. High amounts of Omega-6 PUFA and a very high Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio can promote the pathogenesis of many diseases.