Guest guest Posted November 29, 2003 Report Share Posted November 29, 2003 Correct Ratios of the Omegas JoAnn Guest Jul 20, 2003 14:13 PDT It is common knowledge that a diet high in processed foods and highly refined oils provides an over-abundance of omega-6 fats, however there are types of omega-6 which are beneficial. This goes for the omega-9s as well. A balance of essential fatty acids is needed for good health. Unfortunately, the average American diet does not provide a balance. Instead, it is so high in transfats and refined vegetable oils, it provides excessive linoleic acid (n-6), which is generally metabolized into *pro-inflammatory* substances, and an insufficient amount of those fatty acids EFAs that are needed to make " anti-inflammatory " substances. The omega-3 family- includes alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docoahexaenoic acid (DHA). In certain plants, omega-3 fatty acids are found in the form of alpha-linolenic acid. In the body, this fatty acid is converted into EPA, which is then converted into DHA. The oils of certain fish contain preformed EPA and DHA,which are the most active and desirable forms of the omega-3 family. It is this final conversion to prostaglandins that is responsible for omega-3s therapeutic effects. The omega-6 family-- includes cis-linoleic acid, linoleic acid, and gamma-linolenic acid. (GLA). Cis-linoleic acid is found in certain plants and vegetable oils. Linoleic acid is found in most plants and vegetable oils. In the body, some cis-linoleic acid is converted to GLA, the most " therapeutic " form of the omega-6 family. Pre-formed GLA can also be found in certain plants, with evening primrose, black currant, and borage oils being the most effective and commonly used sources. The body ultimately converts GLA to another group of anti- inflammatory prostaglandins. Again, it is this final conversion that is responsible for omega-6s therapeutic effects. However, it should be noted that cis-linoleic acid and linoleic acid can also be converted into pro-inflammatory prostaglandins. A balance of essential fatty acids is needed for good health. Unfortunately, the average American diet does not provide a balance. Instead, because it is so high in certain vegetable oils, it provides an excess of linoleic acid, which is generally metabolized into *pro-inflammatory* substances, and an insufficient amount of those fatty acids that are needed to make anti-inflammatory substances. As for arachadonic acids-- from what I've been able to ascertain they are far more prevalent in animal proteins than plant foods. It is a combination of Arachadonic and Phosphoric acid present in certain animal protein that ultimately proves fatal. If there was any question about an overabundance of arachadonic acids, I believe my choice would be to cut down on excessive animal proteins rather than becoming overly concerned with n-9s from plant sources such as those present in sesame seeds and oils. According to the information on the Spectrum oils website, our bodies require n-9s, (in a correct balance with the others of course),to function well. You say n-9s trigger a inflammatory response….apparently this is controversial as they are included in Evening Primrose oil which is frequently used for female complaints & PMS. I firmly believe that n-9s are beneficial, but then again as I say, it depends on the source. N-9s from a plant source such as sesame, EV Olive Oil and EPO are much more beneficial, in my opinion. The following is an excerpt from the Spectrum website regarding the anti-inflammatory effects of EPO: " Evening Primrose Oil " -- An ideal therapeutic balance of 9% GLA, 72% omega-6 and 9% omega-9 essential fatty acids. Clinical studies on EPO suggest it reduces inflammation and alleviates some forms of hormonal stress. This nutritional property, in conjunction with the presence of other phyto (or plant-based) nutrients, makes EPO an attractive source of hormone builders. EPO also contains other nutritional lipids such as phospholipids, sterols, and other active phyto-compounds. Independent medical research indicates these compounds are significant immune system and cell builders " . http://www.spectrumnaturals.com " Excessive consumption of animal fats containing arachidonic acid compete for the same metabolic pathways occupied by GLA, thus minimizing its biological action. " " Prostaglandins, Biochemical Regulators " Where as GLA is the power,the prostaglandins deliver the punch in this biological equation. Just as linoleic acid is normally converted to GLA, GLA is further converted into the prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). Many of the benefits derived from GLA supplementation are as a result of the hormonal regulatory action of the prostaglandins. " Just like the " parent " precursors they are made from, the hormone-like prostaglandins orchestrate a host of important biochemical activities. One way in which GLA has shown to *decrease* the probability of allergic and inflammatory conditions is by *competing* with arachidonic acid, which when left unchecked may potentiate a " hyper-immune " response " . • " Prostaglandin E3 has similar functions as prostaglandin E1. It also has a powerful effect of preventing the " release " of arachidonic acid stored in cell membranes and its conversion to prostaglandin E2 " . Omega-3 fatty acids are the source of this beneficial prostaglandin. It's commonly known that the US diet is pathetically low in n-3's while too high in n-6. Again, if inflammation is a problem then you want a product which is highest in the omega-3 DHA, and very little or NO omega-6. Olive oil is the exception. It is not an oil that contains omega-3; however, it contains " oleic " acid, which is necessary for getting the " omega-3 " *into* the cells. And it's a monounsaturated oil, which is the best for heart health. The Udo's Choice Perfected Oil Blend www.udoerasmus.com This blend includes oils from fresh flax,sesame and sunflower seeds, as well as oils from evening primrose,rice germ and oat germ. This blend is rich in GMO-free lecithin,which provides the building materials for healthy cell membranes. The formula includes medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) which are easy to digest and assimilate, and tocotrienols (from rice). MCTs are used directly by our cells as an energy source without increasing fat deposits. Vitamin E and rosemary oil, both potent antioxidants, are added to increase freshness and to act as scavenger of free radical molecules in the body. Our brain is over 60% fat. Scientists have given essential fats (a.k.a. essential fatty acids or EFAs) their name because the body must have them to survive, but cannot synthesize them from any other substance we eat, so a direct food source is required. Hence, the name essential. N-6 is found in sesame and sunflower seeds and other seeds and nuts. Land animal meats and fish are sources of the n-6 derivative arachidonic acid (AA). http://www.spectrumnaturals.com JoAnn Guest mrsjoguest DietaryTipsForHBP http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Melanoma.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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