OMEGA 3, 6, 9?

Do you even know about Omega 3? Most people don’t, actually. Majority just know it’s from fish, there’s a number 3, and it’s good for the health. That’s about it. But now there’s even a 6 and a 9?

If you’ve been living a healthy lifestyle—eating right and exercising—do you still need Omega? The choice is really up to you. But before deciding you should learn if you do need it or not.

Omega 3, 6, 9 are groups of fatty acid. What is fatty acid? Not to get technical, basically fatty acids are very important fuel sources for the heart, skeletal muscle, and even the brain. The two very essential fatty acids (EPA and DHA) of Omega 3 are found in oily fish. DHA is necessary for pregnant and nursing mothers, while EPA is for everyone else, which is for the proper function of the brain and body at a cellular level. Other benefits include anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant properties, which protect against problems such as cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, and skin conditions.It is known that there is a lower mortality rate after a heart attack for those who take this than those who do not.

Omega 6, which carries the fatty acid GLA (Gamma-linolenic acid), also has anti-inflammatory properties, as well as maintains healthy skin, hair, and nails, and largely aid in hormonal and emotional balance. Recent research indicate that there’s a possibility that Omega 6 may even be more important than Omega 3 for healthier hearts.

Omega 3 and 6 interact with each other; therefore, balance between the two is crucial for good health. The human body cannot manufacture Omega 3 and 6, which means a person must consume them through diets.

Omega 9 carries a fatty acid called OA (Oleic Acid), which has many preventive qualities that helps in reducing risks of arteriosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, and stroke. While it is considered a non-essential fatty acid, Omega 9 fats, on the other hand, are needed. It is considered important for healthy immune system function. This can be manufactured from other sources such as olive oil.

As mentioned, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) is very important for the body, as it affects the body at a cellular level. But there is such a thing as‘Pure EPA’, which is a combination of 3 significant fatty acids – EPA, GLA, and OA. In short, to have Pure EPA, you need a balance of Omega 3, 6, 9.

Now that you have a basic background on the importance of Omega 3, 6, 9, you know now that your body does need Omega 3 at the very least. But if you want optimum health your goal should be to make sure your fatty acids are all balanced.