an omega-6 fatty acid found mostly in vegetable oils. Dr. Barry Sears in his
inflammation zone books says that “bad” eicosanoids which cause inflammation,
are created from arachidonic acid when we consume high levels of Omega 6 linoleic
acid from vegetable oils such as corn, soy, safflower and sunflower. Omega-3 and
omega-6 fatty acids compete with each other to regulate metabolism in order to
maintain homeostatic balance.
The correct ratio of these fatty acids is important, for a grossly lop-sided ratio is
considered a major contributing factor to inflammation and degenerative disease.
The optimal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 in the diet should be at 1:1. Whereas
the average ratio in the diet is more likely to be 20:1 to 50:1. Flax seed’s ratio of
Omega 6:3 is 0.3:1. Hempseed oil contains a 3:1 ratio of omega 6:3 fatty acids.
The ratio for omega 6:3 in fish oil is 2-3:1. Other Omega 6:3 ratios include canola,
2:1. walnut, 5:1. soybean, 7:1. corn, 58:1. safflower, 365:1. Contrary to popular
belief, olive oil is a very poor source of EFAs. Ground flax seed contains Omega
3’s but does not actually contain any DHA or EPA at all. Instead it contains ALA,
which your body then has to convert to DHA and EPA.
The best dietary sources of EFAs are “fresh” nuts, seeds, fatty fish and unrefined
whole grains. Fatty fish, such as mackerel, herrings, sardines, trout and salmon,
are rich in two different kinds of omega-3 fats – eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Dr. Mercola recommend both the Fresh Shores
Antarctic Krill Oil and the Carlson’s brand of Krill Oil and cod liver oil. When
taking fish oil supplements you need to prevent oxidation of these delicate fats in
the body by taking fat-soluble antioxidants like full-spectrum vitamin E.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a major fatty acid in sperm and brain
phospholipids, and especially in the retina. DHA is the most important fatty
acid in the human brain. Low levels of DHA cause reduction of brain serotonin
levels and have been associated with ADHD, Alzheimer’s disease and depression.
DHA constitutes 30-50% of the total fatty acid content of the brain, especially
prominent in the cell membranes. DHA is an omega-3 essential fatty acid which
cannot be manufactured in our body and must be obtained daily through our
diet. The body will convert a little of the vegetable oils to EPA but hardly any to
DHA which is what the body needs most of. The benefits of fish oil are primarily
due to DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) which is part of the Omega 3 essential fatty
acids within fish oil. It is more complex than EPA, but can be converted to EPA
should the body need it (it does this by dropping off two carbon bonds). However,
in contradiction to the endorsement of dietary DHA some leading experts believe
that dietary DHA may inhibit the beneficial actions of EPA (eicosapentaenoic
acid). And since the EPA in omega-3 is converted naturally by the body into
DHA, it is unnecessary to take extra DHA separately in supplement form. Fish
Oil usually contains about 12% DHA already. A tablespoon of Fish Oil contains
7.5 g of EPA and DHA. Fish oil taken for many months may cause a deficiency
of vitamin E, so vitamin E is added to many commercial fish oil products. Xtend-
Life Natural Products use Hoki, a deep sea fish naturally high in DHA, from the
pristine Southern Ocean off the coast of New Zealand.