by Omega 6 stands for a group of fatty acids that contain both “good” and “bad” fats. Here you can read how to get the right mix of work and online casino real money nz.
SOME INTERESTING FACTS
Omega-6 fatty acids belong to the large group of unsaturated fatty acids. They build on each other in the metabolism:
- Linoleic acid cannot be produced by the body itself and must be taken in through food – all other fatty acids of the omega-6 group can be converted from linoleic acid, or you take them in through food. Linoleic acid is found in most vegetable oils, such as sunflower oil or corn oil. You can also get it from fatty meats, dairy products, or almonds.
- Gamma-linolenic acid is formed from linoleic acid or is contained, for example, in pomegranates and hemp oil.
- Arachidonic acid is formed from gamma-linolenic acid in the further metabolic process. Meat, butter, lard or egg yolk also contain this omega-6 fatty acid.
The better-known omega-3 fatty acids also belong to the group of unsaturated fatty acids – they are essential nutrients whose requirements you must cover through your diet. You can find them mainly in fish, as well as in linseed oil or walnuts. Omega 7 and Omega 9 are not essential – the body can produce them itself.
Both omega 3 and omega 6 are important for humans: The two fatty acids together control processes in the body, such as the immune defense: Omega 6 starts the inflammatory process, omega 3 helps to stop the inflammation.
METABOLISM STARTS WITH LINOLEIC ACID
Linoleic acid provides important building blocks for the body’s structure: it is involved in cell renewal, and helps repair cells.
A deficiency of linoleic acid, on the other hand, can cause you to catch colds more often or wounds to heal poorly, for example. One study suggests that the fatty acid is also instrumental in helping children grow and develop normally.
However, it’s very unlikely that you’re eating too little linoleic acid – it’s found in many of our daily foods. In addition, the body simply stores excess fatty acids. These are then the well-known fat pads that serve as reserves.
GAMMA-LINOLENIC ACID HELPS AGAINST DISEASES
The body manufactures gamma-linolenic acid from omega-6 linoleic acid or absorbs it directly, for example from pomegranate seeds. Then the body can either convert it further into omega-6 arachidonic acid or into tissue hormones. The tissue hormones of gamma-linolenic acid dilate the vessels and thus counteract inflammation.
A deficiency of gamma-linolenic acid in combination with an enzyme defect is seen by researchers at the Efamol Research Institute in Canada as the cause of a number of diseases, such as:
- Neurodermatitis
- multiple sclerosis
- Diabetes
In addition, a study from Japan establishes the connection between a deficiency of gamma-linoleic acid and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
THE “EVIL” FAT
Omega-6 arachidonic acid can be made by the body from gamma-linolenic acid. But you can also get it directly from meat, butter, or eggs.
The arachidonic acid of the omega-6 group has a very important role in the human immune system. The hormones that the body produces from arachidonic acid control the defense against foreign bodies through inflammation and constrict the blood vessels. This causes the inflamed area to swell and the skin to become hot and red swollen.
However, if the body has produced too many of these hormones from an “oversupply” of arachidonic acid, they actually fight harmless substances. The result is an overreaction or allergic reaction with inflammation.
Scientists suspect that those affected are more prone to allergies as well as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.
The hormones of arachidonic acid also influence blood pressure, so that doctors see a connection here with heart disease caused by hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis).
