Omega-3 versus omega-6 refers to the chemical structure of the fatty acid.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids in most people's diets in rich countries tend to be heavily biased to omega-6 fatty acids, which is why some people are concerned that they do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids. Significant sources of the latter include fat from some types of fish, and some vegetable oils like flaxseed oil.
Studies have suggested omega 3 fatty acids have a multitude of health benefits, including lowering inflammation, improving cardiovascular health and protecting against depression.
Omega 3 fatty acids are found in fatty fish such as salmon., fish oil capsules. Flax seed (be sure to buy ground or you can grind it in a coffee grinder) and walnuts also have a substance that converts to omega 3.
Omega 3s and Omega 6s vary in many different ways. Most Americans eat way too many Omega-6s in their diets from fatty, fried foods that we are all so used to in our busy lives. Eating too many Omega-6s can lead to inflammation which leads to a higher risk of chronic diseases. Omega-3s can be found in different types of fish, vegetable oils such as canola oil, milled flax seed and fish and flax oils.
While there is some controversy re: the actual health benefits of O3s, i think its better to ingest more O3s. However, I should mention a very important O6 in supplement form - CLA. Its fat reducing properties are great for increasing lean body mass and as such is an ingredient in the better fat burner supps and exercise/fitness aids.
its probably the supplement that I really would NOT want to ingest from food. That's a lot of red meat(and fat) you would have to take in!
