Myths About Omega-6-Fatty Acids You Shouldn’t Believe!
You might have heard about the benefits of the “good” fatty acids, such as omega-3 fatty acids, and the “not so good” ones (i.e., omega-6 fatty acids). Although omega-6 fatty acids have been implicated as the culprit behind different health problems, are these claims justified? First, you should know some basic information about omega-6 fatty acids.
Omega-6 fatty acids are essential polyunsaturated fatty acids that the body cannot produce. These fatty acids perform vital functions in your body. These include maintaining bone health, regulating metabolism, etc. The main types of omega-6 fatty acids are gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and linolenic acid (LA). They are in plant oils, such as corn, soybeans, sunflower oil, nuts, and seeds. Hence, these fatty acids aren’t all that bad as they perform the above functions in the body.
Thus, this article centers on debunking the myths about omega-6 fatty acids and their amazing benefits for your body. These myths and the accompanying facts include;
Myth 1: All omega-6 fatty acids cause inflammation.
FACT: A type of omega-6 fatty acid, GLA does not cause inflammation. This is because GLA is converted into dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), which has anti-inflammatory properties.
Myth 2: GLA is available in most foods.
Fact: Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is relatively rare in the diet and is found in high concentrations, mainly in specific plant oils. These include borage oil, evening primrose oil, and blackcurrant seed oil. Your body does not get it in large quantities from everyday foods, which is where supplementing is essential to exploring its numerous benefits.
Myth 3: Consuming omega-6 fatty acids is bad for your health.
FACT: There are different forms of omega-6 fatty acids. Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) confers numerous benefits. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can alleviate health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, and PMS.
Myth 4: GLA is only beneficial for people with inflammatory conditions.
FACT: Although GLA has anti-inflammatory properties, its benefits extend beyond improving inflammatory conditions. It supports skin health, and hormone regulation, improves arthritis and coronary heart disease, etc.
MYTH 5: Omega-6 Fatty Acids Cause Heart Disease.
FACT: Omega-6 fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid, are associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
MYTH 6: Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and linoleic acid (LA) have the same health benefits.
FACT: Although both are omega-6 fatty acids, GLA and LA have unique features and functions. First of all, GLA is synthesized from LA. Also, GLA can exert an anti-inflammatory effect on the body and alleviate conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, and PMS. LA, on the other hand, serves structural functions in cell membranes.
How to Add Omega 6 Fatty Acids to Your Diet
GLA and LA offer many impressive benefits for your body when obtained from foods. Therefore, to include gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and linoleic acid (LA) in your diet, you can incorporate specific oils, seeds, and some food sources. These food sources include black currant seed oil, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, and evening primrose oil.
As it might be a challenge to get good sources of omega-6 fatty acids, supplements are the next best alternative. You can get GLA and LA from NATURE’SFIELD EVENING PRIMROSE OIL, a high-strength formula designed to provide the required level of omega-6 fatty acids for better skin health and improved health conditions.
We need a proper balance of omega-6 and omega-3 in our body to harness all the benefits. Think of GLA as an activated form of omega-6 fatty acids that nourish your cells and, in the adequate form, decrease inflammation, and without it, things don’t work properly. What does that mean? It means getting the right amount of gamma-linolenic acid can maintain youthful skin, balanced hormones, and a better metabolism. You can easily do this by supplementing with NATURE’SFIELD EVENING PRIMROSE OIL and experiencing a significant reduction in those uncomfortable symptoms that can affect your quality of life.