Why are Omega 3 Fatty Acids 'Essential'?

Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids essential to the normal functioning of every tissue in the body. Deficiencies in these essential fats are commonly cited as being responsible for a number of different symptoms and disorders which include:

• liver and kidney deficiency and abnormality
• blood cell degeneration
• reduced growth and regeneration
• lowered immune system
• depression
• loss of skin quality including dryness and scaly skin

By ensuring that we have a correct intake of omega 3 and omega 6 (in the right proportions - see below) we can gain a number of health benefits. According to the PCRM, 'prevention of atherosclerosis, reduced incidence of heart disease and stroke, and relief from the symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis, menstrual pain, and joint pain' have been shown to result from sufficient omega 3 intake.

Essential Balance:

It has been widely documented that one of the major causes of the rapid rise in degenerative diseases in the Western world is the huge increase in omega 6 intake and the disastrous loss of omega 3 intake during the last century.  Research has shown that in 1930 there were only 3,000 deaths per year in the USA from myocardial infarction (MI)—a massive blood clot leading to obstruction of a coronary artery and consequent death to the heart muscle - but by 1960, there were at least 500,000 MI deaths per year in the US.  This correlates almost exactly with the time that margarine's and vegetable oils went into mass production (and became affordable) while the use of natural fats decreased accordingly.*

Udo Erasmus gives the following definitions for this phenomenon:

omega 6 (w6)

a family of related fatty acids essential for human health. These are amply supplied by Western diets.  In fact, their consumption has doubled in the last 50 years.  From w6 fatty acids, the body makes series 1 and 2 prostoglandins.  Excess of the latter can cause inflammation, water retention, increased blood pressure, sticky platelets, and decreased immune response.

omega 3 (w3)

a second family of related fatty acids essential to human health but lacking from most Western diets. Our intake of these has decreased to 1/6 of their level in 1850.  From w3 fatty acids, our body makes series 3 prostaglandins which prevent the negative effects of series 2 prostoglandins by preventing their production.

omega 6:3 balance

the balance of w6 to w3 fatty acids that leads to optimum health.  Researchers consider four or five omega 6 to each omega 3 a good balance.  Most Western diets are between 10 and 20 to 1 in favour of omega 6, far too high in omega 6, which encourages overproduction of series 2 prostoglandins with negative effects on health.  Therapeutic w6:w3 balance for Western diets is about 1 to 2.

Some great sources of Omega 3 fatty acids include:

• Leafy Green Vegetables
• Nuts: Walnuts, Brazil Nuts, Hazelnuts, Pecans
• Seeds: Especially sesame seeds.
• Tahini
• Hummus
• Oils: Linseed/Flaxseed Oil, Hemp Oil, Soya Bean Oil
• Eggs