- Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for the heart and brain and their many health benefits are numerous.
- Yet, excess consumption of omega-6 fatty acids can actually be detrimental to our health.
- According to a publication from the National Institutes of Health, evidence is piling up that contradicts popular belief about omega-6 fatty acids and heart health.
- The evidence refuted claims made by an expert panel from the American Heart Association on omega-6 fatty acids for heart health.
- Where do omega-6 fatty acids come from?
- Most omega-6 fatty acids consumed by Americans are found in vegetable cooking oils such as sunflower, canola, cottonseed, corn oils and the foods made with them.
- Risks of omega-6 fatty acids:
- New analysis of an Australian clinical study further contradicts the belief that omega-6s should be favored. The Australian team believes that the results of their study may impact dietary suggestions worldwide, and experts agree.
- The analysis was performed using data from a Sydney Diet Heart Study, which compared death rates among different types of diets.
- The results of the study showed, “the test group members – who ate diets with high omega-6 intakes and low saturated fat intakes – were more likely die from any cause, as well as to die from cardiovascular and coronary heart diseases.”
- Expert on fatty acids, Philip Calder, Ph.D. suggests that the American Heart Association guidelines may be faulty.
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- For the entire article.
- REFERENCES:
- 1. “Changes in Consumption of Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids in the United States during the 20th Century.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, May 2011. Web. 11 Mar. 2013.
- 2. “Low-n-6 and Low-n-6 plus High-n-3 Diets for Use in Clinical Research.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 18 Jan. 2013. Web. 11 Mar. 2013.
- 3. “N-6 Fatty Acid-specific and Mixed Polyunsaturate Dietary Interventions Have Different Effects on CHD Risk: A Meta-analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2010. Web. 11 Mar. 2013.
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