The properties of omega-3 fatty acids are often talked about, at the expense of omega-6 fatty acids. However, omega-6s are also important for the body. What are their health benefits and how can we get them?
Although they are also available in the form of food supplements, they can easily be obtained from various food sources.
Known as healthy fats, large amounts of omega-6 fatty acids can be found in various types of vegetable oils such as soybean oil, sunflower oil, corn, cottonseed, and olive oil.
Although these fats can be obtained from various dried fruits, there are some types of nuts that contain high amounts of them. These include walnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts and peanuts.
There are several types of seeds that can meet the body's daily need for omega-6 fatty acids . Such are sunflower, sesame and pumpkin seeds.
Omega-6 fatty acids can also be obtained from fish species such as salmon, mackerel and tuna. Chicken also provides an adequate amount of omega-6 fatty acids.
As omega-3s are known to be good for health, omega-6s are known to play an important role in the body's functioning. Although both types of fatty acids are needed to maintain good health, the ratio between them is important for their greater effectiveness.
Studies show that it is important not to overdo it, as this can have an adverse effect on the body.