Omega Fatty Acids
There are two groups of omega fatty acids, essential fatty acids and general fatty acids. Essential fatty acids include omega alpha-linoleic acid or omega 3, and linoleic acid or omega 6. General fatty acids include palmitoleic acid referred to as omega 7 and oleic acid or omega 9.
The body cannot create essential fatty acids (EFA), so we need to consume them in our diet. We need more omega 3 than omega 6 but tend to have more omega 6 than omega 3 in our diet. (1)
Omega 3
Sources of omega 3 include fish oils such as salmon oil, cod liver oil, halibut liver oil, olive oil, flaxseed oil, hemp and optimum oil blend.
Omega 3 may help
- Improve ADHD symptoms
- Relieve arthritis and joint problems by reducing inflammation
- Promote skin health and alleviate skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, acne
- Reduce blood pressure and improve circulation, by thinning the blood
Benefits of omega 3
1) Helps with ADHD
According to research, DHA or docosahexaenoic acid may enhance literacy and behaviour in children with ADHD. DHA is a polyunsaturated fatty acid and often referred to as PUFA (2)
2) May help with pain
Omega 3 oil could help with pain, including joint pain, by reducing inflammation. A study on DHA and EPA in omega 3 fish oils found that omega 3 could mirror the effects of some painkillers. Many common other the counter painkillers, including ibuprofen and diclofenac, are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. (3)
3) Promotes skin health
Omega 3 oils are essential for our health and have a variety of functions in our body and brain. They to help distribute vitamins throughout our body, including our skin. Omega 3 fatty acids could help keep our skin healthy, lubricated, smooth and stretchy. They may reduce the dryness and inflammation associated with skin problems such as psoriasis, eczema and acne.
4) It may thin the blood
According to Julie Hampton from Livestrong, the omega 3 in fish oil supplements can help thin the blood, reduce blood pressure and improve circulation. The sticky surface of blood platelets causes blood to form together and clot. Fish oil supplements decrease blood platelet activity which results in thinner blood and slower blood clotting. (4)
Omega 6
Sources of omega 6 include evening primrose oil, starflower oil, flaxseed, olive oil, hemp, sunflower and safflower oil which contain conjugated linolic acid (CLA).
Omega 6 could
- Reduce inflammation and improve arthritis and joint problems
- Help to maintain heart health and circulation by dilating arteries healthy heart and promote good circulation, as it could help to dilate the arteries
- Alleviate hyperactivity and increase concentration
- Decrease cholesterol
Benefits of omega 6
It may help with inflammation
Linoleic is found in omega 6 oils and help to reduce inflammation which is associated with a range of health problems. Our body produces gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) from linoleic acid. GLA could reduce inflammation by being metabolised into an anti-inflammatory substance. It follows that omega can help to improve our health. (5)
Omega 7 (palmitoleic Acid)
Omega 7 is in coconut oil and sea buckthorn oil. It provides nutritional support for mucous membranes and can alleviate dry eyes, a dry mouth and dryness in intimate areas. It can also promote skin health. Omega 7 is rich in natural antioxidants, tocopherols, tocotrienols, carotenoids and plant sterols.
Omega 9 (oleic acid)
Omega 9 is mainly in olive oil, flaxseed and hemp. It could have anti-inflammatory properties and benefit individuals with arthritis. Omega 9 also enhances the activity of EPA found in omega 3 oils.
Resources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22435414
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0899900712000020
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16531187
- https://www.livestrong.com/article/399910-does-omega-3-fish-oil-thin-your-blood/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17168669
