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What is Omega 3 and Omega 6 ?

Omega-3 fatty acids are important fats that you simply must get from your diet.

However, most people don't know what they are.

This article explains everything you would like to understand about omega-3 fatty acids, including their various types and the way they work.
The 3 types of omega-3
There are three main sorts of omega-3 fatty acids — ALA, DHA, and EPA.
ALA
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is that the commonest omega-3 carboxylic acid in your diet 
Your body mainly uses it for energy, but it also can be converted into the biologically active sorts of omega-3, EPA and DHA.

However, this conversion process is inefficient. Only alittle percentage of ALA is converted into the active forms 

ALA is found in foods like flax seeds, flaxseed oil, canola oil, chia seeds, walnuts, hemp seeds, and soybeans.
EPA
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is usually found in animal products, like fatty fish and animal oil . However, some microalgae also contain EPA.

It has several functions in your body. Part of it can be converted into DHA.

DHA
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is that the most vital omega-3 carboxylic acid in your body.
It’s a key structural component of your brain, the retina of your eyes, and various other body parts .

Like EPA, it occurs mainly in animal products like fatty fish and animal oil . Meat, eggs, and dairy from grass-fed animals also tend to contain significant amounts.

Vegetarians and vegans often lack DHA and will take microalgae supplements to form sure they get enough of this omega-3 
The omega-6 to omega-3 ratio
Omega-6 fatty acids even have important roles in your body almost like those of omega-3s.

Both are used to produce signaling molecules called eicosanoids, which have various roles related to inflammation and blood clotting 

Yet, omega-3s are anti-inflammatory, and scientists hypothesize that eating an excessive amount of omega-6 counteracts these beneficial effects.

In the Western diet, omega-6 intake is extremely high compared thereto of omega-3s, therefore the ratio is currently skewed far towards the omega-6 side .

Maintaining a balance between these two fats — often termed the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio — could also be important for optimal health.

Although insufficient evidence exists to show that omega-6 is harmful, most health professionals agree that getting enough omega-3 is important for health.

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