It turns out balance truly is the key to health, even when it comes to individual nutritional elements.
When it comes to fatty acids, we simply can’t forget aboutomega-6s.
What are fatty acids?
There are various categories of fatty acids and different ways to categorize them.
This distinction in structure leads to the three main types of fats: saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated.
So what’s with the numbers?
This double bond placement gives the fatty acids their unique, magic touch (and names).
There are various typesincluding omega-3, -6, and -9classified by the spot that first double bond occurs.
Beyond this categorization, even more specificity exists.
The main omega-6s are linoleic acid (LA) and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).
Omega-3 key benefits.
The friendship between the brain and omega-3s is loyal, steadfast, and true.
Omega-6 key benefits.
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The main differences between the two.
How to get the perfect balance of omegas.
but also can be found in seaweed, shellfish, and algae.
While the omega-3 content is higher in fatty fish, all of these sources provide EPA and DHA.
Other sources of omega-3s are nuts and seeds like hemp seeds and flaxseeds, which provide ALA.
Similarly, omega-6s are most commonly found in vegetable oils.
While the6perfect balance is atwo-to-one ratio6, Americans tend to consume10 or even 20 times6the amount of omega-6s.
This lack of balance is the main reason omega-6s get a bad rap.
After all, anything out of balance isn’t a good thing!
Choosing an omega-3 supplement.
- That amount requires daily intention.
That’s why one of the most important things to look for whenchoosing an omega-3 supplementis potency.
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Another consideration is freshness and, well,fishy burps.
The quality of your supplement affects whether or not you taste your morning supplement later in the day.
Premium omega-3 supplements may also up their freshness and sensory experience by utilizing botanicals.
You’ll find organic lemon oil and rosemary extract in mbg’s omega-3 supplement, for example.
For more product recommendations, check out our topomega-3 supplement picks.
The bottom line.
Both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are key to a healthy lifestyle.
