Omega 6: what is it good for, how to take, where it is contained

Fatty acids provide health benefits that can be preserved by consuming vegetable oils. The benefits and harms of Omega 6 are actively discussed by experts. It is known that an excess of fatty acids leads to certain disorders.

What is Omega 6

Often, when losing weight, people limit their fat intake. Experts emphasize that these components are useful due to their properties. Fats are a kind of building material for the molecules that make up the cell membranes. Lack of fat is harmful. Cells are deprived of the ability to grow and exchange information.

Fats have beneficial properties. The body uses them as a source of energy. Vegetable and animal fats are beneficial.

Attention! You should refrain from consuming trans fats. These include refined oils and margarine.

Overcooked fats are also harmful to health. With strong heating, their components decompose into substances with carcinogenic properties.

Unsaturated fats are beneficial for the body. Among the many unsaturated fats, about 20 varieties benefit humans. These are the so-called unsaturated fatty acids (EFAs):

  • Omega 9 (monounsaturated);
  • Omega 3 and Omega 6 (polyunsaturated).

Omega 9 can be produced by the body on its own. Omega 3 and Omega 6 come exclusively from food. Polyunsaturated acids are important for the vital activity of cells. Foods containing Omega 3 and Omega 6 should be included in the diet regularly.

Omega 6 is linoleic acid. It is necessary for the body to produce arachidonic and gamma-linolenic acids.

Types of Omega 6 Fatty Acids

It is a family of polyunsaturated fatty acids (anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory). There are many types of PUFA. Linoleic acid is considered one of the most useful types. It is a carboxylic acid with a long chain of 18 carbon atoms.

Linoleic acid should be taken regularly. Thanks to its properties, an adequate metabolism is maintained. The body uses linoleic acid to synthesize biochemicals.

Important! Linoleic acid is known for its beneficial properties that allow it to be used in the manufacture of cosmetics.

Benefits of Omega 6 Fatty Acids

Useful properties are manifested by the implementation of the following functions:

  • ensuring receptor sensitivity;
  • participation in the work of the nervous, respiratory and circulatory systems;
  • stimulation of metabolic processes.

PUFAs have the following beneficial properties:

  • improving the functioning of the nervous system;
  • decrease in PMS intensity;
  • decrease in the severity of inflammation;
  • cleansing of toxins;
  • participation in cell regeneration;
  • normalization of cholesterol levels;
  • improving the condition of hair, skin, nails.
Attention! The benefits of Omega 6 for men, when taken appropriately, mean increased potency.

Omega 6 during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Polyunsaturated fatty acids can be harmful if consumed excessively during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is believed that the proportion of fat should be only 10% of the number of calories per day. This is due to the fact that the benefits of consumption for pregnant and lactating women have not been established.

Can Omega 6 Supplement Be Accepted For Children?

Experts note that the component is useful for children due to its properties. In the absence of contraindications, PUFA can be taken at almost any age. Polyunsaturated fats have significant benefits for ADHD.

Daily consumption rate

The health benefits of vitamins and omega 6 fats are known. Experts do not indicate the exact dosage of Omega 6, which can be consumed daily without harm to health.

An overdose of fats can lead to the development of inflammatory processes. The benefits of Omega 6 for the body are achieved only when the maximum dosage is observed, which is 300 mg.

Causes and symptoms of a lack of Omega 6 in the body

Since PUFAs are not synthesized by the body, their shortage is due exclusively to insufficient use. Long-term deficiency of Omega 6 leads to the following diseases:

  • diseases of the cardiovascular nature;
  • arthritis;
  • bronchial asthma;
  • crayfish;
  • depression.

Omega 6 deficiency is manifested by the following symptoms:

  • decreased performance;
  • anxiety;
  • hair loss;
  • growth retardation in children;
  • dry skin;
  • arrhythmia.

Lack of Omega 6 is harmful to the entire body. The beneficial properties of PUFAs are essential for the functioning of every cell.

Where are Omega 6 fatty acids found?

Polyunsaturated fatty acids are found in both plant and animal foods. The use of PUFA should be rational. Excessive component can harm the body.

Sources of animal origin

Sources of animal origin include:

  • fat (turkey, chicken, duck, beef, lamb, goat);
  • chicken liver;
  • veal;
  • lean pork;
  • lamb;
  • chicken eggs.

The main source of health benefits is considered to be poultry.

Plant sources

Plant sources include:

  • cereals and nuts;
  • whole wheat bread;
  • durum wheat;
  • walnuts, pine nuts, pecans, cashews;
  • borage and evening primrose oil;
  • linseed, rapeseed, hemp, soybean, palm, sunflower, corn oils;
  • pumpkin seeds.
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The basis is made up of sunflower, soybean, palm and rapeseed oils. Omega 6 is rich in grape seed oil.

Instructions for use of Omega 6

There is no definite opinion on the dosage of polyunsaturated fatty acids. However, the element only benefits from adequate intake. Eating fat in excess of 3000 mg per day can be harmful. Exceeding the permissible dose leads to the development of inflammatory processes due to the properties of fats.

The use of Omega 6 in cosmetology

Omega 6 has beneficial properties that are successfully used in cosmetology. EFA (Vitamin F) is usually included in cosmetics as a main ingredient.

The benefits of Omega 6 for women are due to its properties:

  • anti-aging;
  • moisturizing;
  • anti-inflammatory;
  • strengthening.

A useful component is added to balms and ointments intended for the treatment of skin diseases. The supplement is beneficial for dry, aging, problem skin. Cosmetics can also get rid of bruises under the eyes.

Attention! Creams, shampoos, balms, serums, masks, lotions and oils are stored in the refrigerator. Otherwise, a useful product can be harmful.

Omega 6 overdose and side effects

You can expect harm with excess use of PUFA. This is due to the properties of fatty acids to increase triglyceride levels.If you have high cholesterol, you should limit your intake of Omega 6.

Side effects can occur as a result of overdose and hypersensitivity reactions:

  • increased acidity of the stomach;
  • belching;
  • the presence of an unpleasant taste in the mouth;
  • flatulence;
  • dyspepsia;
  • heartburn;
  • pain syndrome;
  • diarrhea or constipation;
  • lack of appetite;
  • vomiting or nausea.

When taking PUFA, it is necessary to take into account the use of certain drugs. Interactions with blood thinners can be harmful to your health. Dangerous properties are manifested in an increased risk of bleeding.

Important! Omega 6 benefits in the form of increased effectiveness of antibiotics, immunopressants, chemotherapy.

Contraindications to taking Omega 6

There are no serious contraindications that could be harmful to health. PUFAs with beneficial properties are not recommended for patients with a history of epilepsy. The component in high dosages can provoke premature birth. Fats are used with caution during pregnancy to avoid causing harm.

What is the difference between Omega 6 and Omega 3

There are minor structural differences between the two PUFAs. Omega 3 promotes blood thinning. Useful properties lead to the activation of metabolism, brain and heart function. The effect of Omega 6 is to increase blood viscosity and slow down metabolic processes.

Attention! An excess of PUFA can cause harm in the form of headaches, oncology, arthritis, heart and vascular diseases.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of Omega 6 are undeniable. The beneficial properties of PUFAs are manifested only when an adequate dosage is observed. Exceeding the dose can cause significant harm to the body.

Reviews

Elena Efimovna Chalenkova, 50 years old, Samara
Recently, I often hear about the benefits of polyunsaturated fatty acids. I paid attention to my diet, began to include foods rich in this component in the menu more often. In the mornings, vigor appeared, the drowsiness that usually accompanies the entire working day disappeared.
Svetlana Konstantinovna Ponomareva, 31 years old, Simferopol
A month ago, I bought several cosmetic products with vitamin F. The first age-related changes appeared: fine facial wrinkles and dryness. After a few weeks, I began to notice changes. The skin is smoother and fine lines smoothed out.

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