Omega 6 Fatty Acids (alpha-linoleic acid)

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Omega-6 fatty acids (also called alpha linoleic acid) are polyunsaturated fats, so they are not bad fats per se and when it replaces certain bad fats in the diet it can be beneficial. However, when the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is too high, problems occur. This essential fat is usually in ample supply in the typical diet, so we don’t typically need to concentrate on getting these in. Excess intake of omega 6 can actually trigger inflammatory responses and cause water retention, raised blood pressure and increased blood clotting.

Where do you find them? Omega 6 fatty acids are found in margarines, sunflower oil, mayonnaise, safflower oil and corn oil. Most commercial products use omega 6 fatty acids as they tend to be cheaper.

What to do? Include small amounts of alpha-linoleic acid in the diet, but ensure that you also increase the amount of omega-3’s that you consume.