Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids contribute a lot in keeping the body functioning well. Though at first glance you may find both looking the same, but then no, they have different value in your body and each has different benefits.
Scientific evidence shows that both are helping in body's processes. Omega 3 fatty acids on the other hand are known to lower blood pressure and triglycerides while omega 6 has been sampled as a way to help reduce symptoms of arthritis.
But what is the difference?
Both have been defined as a fatty acid that helps in keeping body in shape and in fighting certain diseases. And one of their major difference is Omega 3 is often taken as a supplement while omega 6 can be found in one's daily diet.
So let's look at both individually.
Omega 3
Many people would probably be more familiar with omega 3. It is one of the more advertised of the two. It is also claimed to be present in some products advertised. But omega 3 is more popular due to its supplements. Yes, omega 3 has different pharmaceutical companies trying to battle each other for consumers.
Omega 3 though is most often found in fish, krill, calamari and in fish oils. What are its benefits to the body?
- It reduces your chances of acquiring a heart disease.
- Helps normal growth and development.
- It helps in keeping skin and hair pretty as it stimulates its growth and constant replacement.
- It also help in reduction of inflammation (this is quite opposed to what omega 6 can do, 6 might worsen it)
- Helps in reduction of blood pressure as well as high cholesterol.
- Helps keep your brain quick and functioning.
- It also addresses a long list of ailments such as arthritis, asthma and diabetes.
- Can help in irritable bowel as well as in addressing breast and colon cancer.
- There are other ailments that it can help which isn't mentioned here.
Possible sources of omega three include the following;
- Supplements. There are many of it in the market. Make sure though you get to the authentic one.
- It can be gotten from wheat germ.
- Fresh fruits can also lend it to you and your body.
- Vegetables are also one of those that may offer you lots of it.
- Fish, calamari and krill are also the major omega 3 provider.
- Olive oil, walnuts and canula also will give you omega 3.
Omega 6
Omega 6 on the other hand may affect you. It may be increasing your risk of depression and may even worsen some medical conditions you have, such as what I mentioned above with inflammation.
But then omega 6 can also benefit you through the following:
- It helps reduce rheumatoid arthritis.
- It helps reduce diabetic neuropathy.
- Can lessen certain allergies.
- Helps in reducing blood pressure.
- Helps women when they are undergoing menopausal stage. It addresses breast pain and lessens it.
- Patient with multiple sclerosis also may benefit from omega 6.
- Kids with ADHD are also found out to be a good recipient of it.
- It may help prevent and treat eczema, pain or cramps during menstrual cycle.
There are differ possible sources of omega 6. Here are some:
- Oils are good source of omega 6.
- Safflower oil
- Grape seed oil
- Corn oil
- Vegetable oil
- Sunflower oil
- Wheat germ oil
- Walnut oil
- And more.
All in all, both can be said to be needed by the body. They are essential fats and are really needed to function well. As both can't be produced by the body, one may only receive it through the food they eat.
So for a tip to finally incorporate it in your diet try the following from WebMD.
- Instead of having butter and cream why not go for unsaturated oils? Go healthy and choose vegetable oil instead. Or consume more fish and nuts; they are containing unsaturated fats as compared to animal produce products.
- Go nuts. Nuts are full of these omega fatty acids.
- Eat fish. Or instead, why not go for a fish diet? Always incorporate it in your meals.
So with the fight between the two today, does it really matter? As long as both are helpful, why not patronize both? Just make sure though that you take the right amount of each to again the right benefits of the two.
Roselen is a fitness blogger with love for healthy living topics. Have more of your daily dose of health news and tips, visit health365.com.au.
