Omega Fatty Acids Cause Harm (Study)

There are always mixed messages in the world of health as to what will heal you and what will harm you. Unfortunately, a few of the culprits releasing some improper and potentially fatal "health" recommendations happen to be some well-respected health organizations. One of these organizations is the American Heart Association (AHA) where they have long promoted the use and consumption of omega-6 fats (o-6) such as vegetable oils, instead of omega-3 fats (o-3) as in saturated animal fats as a main source of dietary energy and as being beneficial for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Some of the most recent and in-depth research surrounding omega-6 fats has concluded that there is a clear link between high intake levels of omega-6 fats and an increased risk of overall health deterioration and death. This is especially true for people already suffering from heart disease. In one major study, they separated the participants, men between the ages of 30 and 59 suffering from heart disease, into two groups.
In one of the groups they increased the amount of o-6 fats and lowered the amount of o-3 fats. The second group was given no dietary regulations or restrictions. This study covered each participant for an average of 39 months. Collectively, the participants assigned to the group that was instructed to increase their levels of o-6 fats had a 17% higher risk of dying from heart disease than the other participants. The science from this, and many other studies regarding omega fats is clear - although both o-6 and o-3 fats are crucial to one's health, so is maintaining the ideal ratio between the two.

The ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats is 1:1, yet the common Western diet has a ratio of 1:20 and 1:50. Maintaining a healthy ratio of o-6 to o-3 fats is essential if you want to be the healthiest version of yourself. Most people have an improper o-6:3 balance, so, in case you are one of them, here are a few tips you can use for reducing your o-6 intake and creating a better overall balance:

1. Reduce the amount of processed foods and foods cooked in vegetable oils.

2. Increase your omega-3 intake (extra virgin olive oil, avocados, coconut oil, organic, grass-fed butter, and healthy animal fats).

3. Seriously reduce the amount or rid your diet completely of the following: corn oil, canola oil, soy oil, hydrogenated fats, margarine, and shortening.

4. Take a high quality omega-3 supplement such as krill oil.

5. Reduce the amount of grain fed meat you eat as it increases your omega-6 levels, stick to grass-fed meats if you can.
Following the instructions above and reworking your diet to obtain the proper balance between your omega-

6 and omega-3 fats will greatly improve your health and help you to live a happier, healthier, and longer life.

Dr Paul Groulx has had previous careers as a Paramedic and as a Registered Nurse with experience in Intensive Care, Cardiology, Nephrology/Dialysis and Oncology. Before enrolling in chiropractic school he spent two summers in a Canadian Coast Guard Search and Rescue team. Dr Goulx's chiropractic clinic was established in 2004 and continues to deepen his knowledge and skill via ongoing continuing education seminars. Click here for his website.

source : Omega Fatty Acids Cause Harm (Study)