Omega-6 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acid as they are necessary for human health but the body cannot make them. Omega-6 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development. Also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).
Linoleic Acid is the primary Omega-6 fatty acid. A healthy human with good nutrition will convert linoleic acid into gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which will later by synthesized, with EPA from the Omega-3 group, into eicosanoids.
Some Omega-6s improve diabetic neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, PMS, skin disorders (e.g. psoriasis and eczema), and aid in cancer treatment. Although most Americans obtain an excess of linoleic acid, often it is not converted to GLA because of metabolic problems caused by diets rich in sugar, alcohol, or trans fats from processed foods, as well as smoking, pollution, stress, aging, viral infections, and other illnesses such as diabetes. It is best to eliminate these factors when possible, but some prefer to supplement with GLA-rich foods such as borage oil, black currant seed oil, or evening primrose oil.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) supports the cardiovascular, reproductive, immune, and nervous systems. The human body needs EFAs to manufacture and repair cell membranes, so that the cells are able to obtain optimum nutrition and get rid of harmful waste products. One of the primary functions of EFAs is the production of prostaglandins, which helps to regulate body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, blood clotting, fertility, conception, and playing a role in immune function by regulating inflammation and encouraging the body to fight infections. Essential Fatty Acids are also needed for proper growth in children, particularly for neural development and maturation of sensory system, male children have higher needs when compared to those of the females. Fetuses and breast-fed infants also require adequate supply of EFAs through the mother's dietary intake.
The video below shows the right amounts of Omega fatty acid intake for a healthy lifestyle/diet:
Citations:
http://goodfats.pamrotella.com/
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/omega-6-000317.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gv1OPyRjBYk&feature=related
www.google.com
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