Omega-9
Omega 9 contains two important compounds – stearic acid and oleic acid. Stearic acid is a saturated fat, but it is thought to be most likely used within the body as energy, rather than being stored as fat. It can also be converted into something called oleic acid. Oleic acid itself isn’t an essential fat, but it is important for the healthy functioning of the skin glands. It is a monounsaturated fat, which unlike Omega 3 and 6, is not classed as ‘essential’ as the body can convert it from carbohydrates. Omega 9 is still however an important part of the daily diet and supports Omega 3 and Omega 6 by playing a role in lowering cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation in the body.“A combined supplement can help you achieve the correct balance...”
I frequently find that many people simply aren’t able to derive enough EFAs from their diet. Also, having an imbalance between Omega 3 and 6 can cause problems in itself – some experts believe conditions such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes could be due to deficiencies and/or imbalances in EFAs. The ideal ratio of Omega 3; 6; 9 is 2 : 2 : 1. A combined supplement can help you achieve the correct balance. And, even if you eat a balanced diet, Omega 3 in particular can prove quite difficult to get from your food alone, so supplements can be a good idea.
Like many other vitamins and minerals, EFAs can’t work in isolation and need other nutrients to help the body use them more efficiently. If you are taking EFAs, you may also want to ensure you are getting optimum doses of Zinc, Selenium, and vitamins A, C and E. These all work in synergy to optimise the efficacy of your EFAs.
What if I’m vegetarian?
While EFAs are found in abundance in fish oils, there are many good vegetarian sources. Flaxseed, hemp, pumpkin seed, safflower, sesame and evening primrose oils can all be used as effective alternatives to fish oils.In Summary
The essential fatty acids – Omega 3, 6 and 9 – are now widely acknowledged as extremely beneficial to many of our bio-chemical functions and as building blocks to the cells in our body. The body uses them to keep the nerves, cells and brain functioning at optimum levels, they can help fight inflammation and reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes. They have an excellent effect on the functioning of the brain, and studies have shown they can be especially effective at helping with both Alzheimer’s in the elderly and hyperactivity in children. They body cannot manufacture its own omega 3 and 6, so it is vital to give you body a steady supply. It can manufacture some Omega 9, but usually not enough to keep you in optimum health.(published with permission in writing from:http://weblog.healthydirect.co.uk)
