Too much of a good thing

25/04/2009 by admin.

We need to consume both omega 3 and omega 6 oils to maintain good health.  Interestingly our intake of omega 3 has shrunk dramatically over the years but our intake of omega 6 has doubled over the past 70 years.  This is not a good thing.  The most common advice is that we should be consuming equal amounts of these two oils.

Foods which contain the highest amounts of omega 3 are oily fish (eg salmon and mackerel), soybeans, flax seeds, canola oil and walnuts.  Omega 6 is found in safflower oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, processed food and animal based foods.  

Too much omega 6 can cause blood clotting which can lead to heart attacks or strokes and suppress our immune systems.  They can also promote the growth of cancer cells.

So, as a general rule, we are looking to achieve a more balanced diet, perhaps more oily fish and less processed foods and animal based foods.

More about omega oils later.

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