A new study suggests that increased omega-6 fatty acids and an increased ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids is correlated with obesity. The two different omega fatty acids are used to make different groups of hormones, and the study suggests that these groups of hormones should be brought into balance with a ratio below 5:1 omega-6: omega-3. While omega-6 fatty acids are necessary, and may help with diabetes, the authors suggest reducing consumption of processed vegetable oils to reduce omega-6 and increasing intake of omega-3 supplements or natural sources like nuts.
Key Takeaways:
- New research suggests that there is an increase in the risk of obesity as the level of omega-6 fatty acids increase
- Omega-3 and omega-6 are types of essential fatty acids, meaning that we cannot make them on our own and have to obtain them from our diet.
- In the past three decades, total fat and saturated fat intake as a percentage of total calories has continuously decreased
“New research suggests that there is an increase in the risk of obesity as the level of omega-6 fatty acids and the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio increase in the diet.”
https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=http://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2016/oct/balanced-omega-6-to-omega-3-is-important-for-the-prevention-of-obesity,-evidence-suggests-92869028.html&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGmZmMDFkMTU2YWMzMmQ5OTU6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNGTKcyVFUnj-nlKXDPVl9t-zOEzVA