Omega-3, 6 and 9: what do they mean?

Omega - 3, 6 and 9

WHAT EXACTLY ARE OMEGA 3, 6 AND 9?

The omegas are a group of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids essential to health. Unlike other nutrients, they can't be synthesised by the body and therefore must be obtained from the diet.

Strictly speaking, there are two essential fatty acids: alpha linolenic acid (omega-3) and linolenic acid (omega-6). Omega-9 is not classed as essential, since it can be synthesised by the body from other fats.

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The government recommends 450mg -900mg of the long-chain EPA and DFA per dayA lower ratio of Omega-6: Omega-3 is beneficialThe ratio in Western diets is close to 10:1 We evolved on a ratio of 1:1

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