Before you start gearing up for a trip to every fast-food restaraunt in a 5 mile radius, let us explain. Your body's balance of essential fatty acids (EFAs) - primarily omega - 3s and omega - 6s - is very important. The benefits of omega 3s extend throughout the body from the cardiovascular system to the brain.
Unfortunately, for most Americans, the benefits of omega - 3s are negated due to the overabundance of omega - 6s in the diet. The richest sources of omega - 6s are found in corn, safflower and soy oils, all of which are found in a pleathora of snack foods, including chips, cookies and ready made baked goods.
The sources for omega - 3s are in foods without a cream-filled center, such as salmon, hempseed and dark leafy greens. Considering the typical American's diet and the sky-high obesity rates, the average ratio of omega - 6s and omega -3s of 20:1 (instead of the ideal 1:1) should come as no big surprise.
Why is the ratio so important? "The bottom linw: Without balanced intake of omega - 3's and omega - 6s, our health suffers," wrote Marie Moneysmith in Basic Health Publications User's Guide to Goof Fats and Bad Fats. "We get fewer of the omega - 3 benefits to our cardiovascular and nervous systems, and good HDL cholesterol levels may drop, a side effect of too many omega - 6s.
There are ways to get the right ratio of essential fatty acids. One way is through nutritional oils, which can provide necessary EFAs, as well as the health benefits that can't be found in, let's say, a Happy Meal. In their seminal reference book, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Dr. James Balch and the late Phyllis Balch, C.N.C., outlined such oils.
EMU Oil - An excellent source of linoleic acid, linolenic, and oleic acids, all of which have anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used topically for a number of problems, including skin bites and poison ivy.
Fish Oil - This is a good source of omega - 3s, with salmon, mackeral, menhanden, herring and sardines favored because they have a higher fat content.
Flaxseed Oil - Rich in essential fatty acids, several studies have shown it can reduce pain, inflammation, and arthritis. Dr. Balch and Ms. Balch also wrote that it has helped lower blood cholesterol and help reduce the hardening effects of cholesterol on cell membranes. Flaxseed also has tremendous benefits and is a terrific addition to shakes, salads and yogurt.
Grape Seed Oil - Like flaxseed, it's ideal for cooking. It can be heated at temperatures up to 485 degrees F and has a "light, nutty taste that brings out the flavors in many foods," Dr. Balch and Ms. Balch wrote. Also, it has no cholesterol, no sodium and it has among the lowest amount of saturated fats among the EFAs.
Primrose Oil - It contains 9 to 10 percent gamma linolenic acid, a beneficial omega - 6. It's been known to "help prevent hardening of the arteries, heart disease, premenstrual syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and high blood pressure."
Also, "it relieves pain and relieves inflammation: enhances the release of sex hormones, including estrogen and testosterone: aids in lowering cholesterol levels: and is beneficial for cirrhosis of the liver," according to Dr Balch and Ms. Balch
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