Omega 6 Fats also called Omega 6 Fatty acids is a crucial FAT that the human body cannot make. These are essential fats and a type of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) we have to get them from food sources. Both Omega 6 and Omega 3 are key for the human body.
What is the amount of Omega 6 Fatty Acids you should have? Most of the World diet is based on high usage of Omega 6 fatty acids over Omega 3. Studies show that there is 20 to 25 times more consumption of Omega 6 over Omega 3 in our diet which is not good for the body. The ideal ratio is said to be 2:1, that is two parts Omega 6 to one part Omega 3 or some argue for a ratio of 1:1.
Most Omega 6 fatty acids promote inflammation and come from vegetable oils in the form of Linoleic Acid (LA). Foods rich in Linoleic Acid promote inflammation in the body which is not good for you and is the root cause of many diseases.
But there is Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) , a healthy omega-6 fatty acid which is will reduce body inflammation and we should try and consume more of this type of omega-6 fatty acid. Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) comes from plant foods like Spirulina , Black Currant oil, Hemp oil and evening Primrose Oil. Oatmeal also provides GLA and use the Steel Cut Oats which take more time to cook but do the job of GLA if had several times a week. GLA rich foods may reduce body inflammation. Spirulina Powder and Steel cut oats are easily available in India.
