You may often hear its terms omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids. The body requires all three of these kinds of fatty acids in order to function. What distinguishes omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids from one another? Check out the following review.

Differences between Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9 fatty acids

Fats found in food, also referred as fatty acids, are generally divided into two categories, namely saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Because saturated fats raise blood cholesterol levels, many people view them as unhealthy fats. In actuality, however, moderation and appropriate consumption of saturated fatty acids also yield health benefits.

Meanwhile, omega-3 fatty acids are included in this type of unsaturated fat. Because they do not raise blood levels of bad cholesterol, these fats are referred to as good fats. Omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids are the three most common forms of fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of fat that cannot be produced by the body but can be found in foods. Omega-6 is a fat that provides the body with energy and is found in many foods, while omega-9 fatty acids are non-essential fats that can be produced by the body.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Polyunsaturated fats, like omega-3 fatty acids, are not produced by the body and must be obtained through food. Omega-3 fatty acids come in several types, including:

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is a fatty acid that is converted into eicosanoid compounds that have anti-inflammatory and anti-depressant properties.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a fatty acid that contributes to brain development and function, making up approximately 8% of the weight of the brain.
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is a fatty acid that is good for your heart, immune system, and nervous system.

Other important benefits of omega-3 fatty acids include:

• Maintains heart health
• Supports mental health
• Reduces body weight and waist size
• Supports baby's brain development
• Fights inflammation

You can fulfill your omega-3 fatty acid needs from foods such as salmon, anchovies, chia seeds, flax seeds and walnuts.

Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Like omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids are unsaturated and essential fatty acids that the body cannot produce on its own; therefore, it must get them from food sources.

Energy is produced by omega-6 fatty acids, which can also be converted back into arachidonic acid (ARA). Arachidonic acid (ARA) can produce eicosanoid compounds that help fight inflammation.

Other advantages of omega-6 fatty acids include:

• Reduces the risk of heart disease
• Lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol
• Reducing the risk of cancer

To fulfill your omega-6 fatty acid intake needs, you can get them from foods such as corn oil, soybean oil, walnuts, sunflower seeds and cashews.

Omega-9 Fatty Acids

The body is capable of producing omega-9 fatty acids, which are non-essential fatty acids. The most widely consumed omega-9 fatty acid is oleic acid, which is found in many vegetable oils. Oleic acid helps to keep the cardiovascular system and skin healthy.

Even though your body can produce omega-9 fatty acids, you can obtain them by eating cashews, avocado, almond, and olive oils.

In order to meet their body's requirements for omega-3, 6 and 9 fatty acids, a lot of people decide to take supplements. But the most important thing is to balance the intake of all three in a balanced manner. To find out if you need fatty acid supplements, you should consult a nutritionist.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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