Stephan Guyenet, typical omega-6 to omega-3 ratios for pre-industrial populations ranged from 4:1 to 1:4. SummaryĪn omega-6 to omega-3 ratio that is too high may contribute to excess inflammation in the body, potentially raising the risk of various diseases.Īccording to Dr. Many believe this is a serious health problem. Those who follow a Western diet are typically eating way too much omega-6s relative to omega-3s. Scientists have hypothesized that a diet high in omega-6s but low in omega-3s increases inflammation, while a diet that includes balanced amounts of each reduces inflammation ( 2). In fact, chronic inflammation may be one of the leading drivers of the most serious modern diseases, including heart disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s and many types of cancer. It helps protect your body from infection and injury, but it can also cause severe damage and contribute to disease when it’s chronic or excessive. Of course, inflammation is essential for your survival. Scientists believe omega-6s are pro-inflammatory, while omega-3s are anti-inflammatory ( 1). They are not simply used for energy or stored, they are biologically active and have important roles in processes like blood clotting and inflammation.īut omega-6s and omega-3s don’t have the same effects. However, these fatty acids are different than most other fats.
That is why they are termed “essential” fatty acids. If you don’t get any from your diet, you develop a deficiency and become sick. Your body doesn’t have the enzymes to produce them, so you must get them from your diet. Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are called polyunsaturated fats because they have many double bonds (poly=many).
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