Definition of Omega 3, 6 and 9

The omega fatty acids are a type of fat necessary for good functioning of the organism.

Its benefits were revealed by investigate why some populations had a low incidence of cardiovascular diseases when staying in their habitat of origin, increasing this risk when population movements occur. This showed that diet was a predominant factor, as happened in Finnish settlers who displaced others. environments where their diet was no longer based on oily fish, which are one of the main sources of this type of fat beneficial.

Omega fatty acids, a type of unsaturated fat

Fatty acids are a type of lipids made up of a molecule in which one or more carbons have double bonds with each other, which makes them capable of reacting with other molecules and undergoing transformations. This ability is the reason why omega fatty acids are unsaturated fats, unlike other fatty acids in which there are only simple bonds between the carbons and which are known as saturated fats.

The double bonds also allow the molecule to obtain a spatial arrangement in which its path undergoes directional changes, which explains the fact that When this type of fat predominates in the body, it reduces the risk of situations such as hardening of the arteries.

Fatty acids fulfill several functions in the body, one of the most important is that they are included as elements that are part of cell membranes. When omega-type fatty acids predominate in these structures, they show greater flexibility, which facilitates the transport of substances and nutrients to and from the interior of the cell.

Omega-3 fatty acids

This type of fatty acid presents the double bond on the third carbon from the end of the molecule, hence its name. Omega-3 fatty acids are the type of acid more beneficial fat for the body. They are mainly found in oily fish and in seeds such as flaxseed. Omega 3 must be obtained with food, since the human body is not capable of producing it, which is why it is considered an essential fatty acid.

Omega 6 fatty acids

They are the main type of fatty acid that we ingest with our diet. It is found mainly in the oil of corn, sunflower and soy, also in eggs. This type of fatty acid has a pro-inflammatory effect, so it is recommended that it be consumed in an amount similar to that of omega 3, with a ratio between 1: 1 to 1: 3, since when the intake of omega 6 is much higher than that of omega 3 it has been seen that pro-inflammatory effects predominate of the first.

Omega 9 fatty acids

This type of fatty acid found mainly in olive oilIt has the same properties as omega 3 and 6 with the difference that omega 9 is not an essential fatty acid, since our body is capable of producing it. In addition to its benefits for the circulatory system, it is attributed protective properties against disorders such as breast cancer.

Benefits of fatty acids for the body

Omega-type fatty acids are essential for the proper functioning of the body. Because they are unsaturated fatty acids, when used in processes such as the formation of cell membranes, they allow create flexible structures, which makes them have a protective effect mainly at the cardiovascular level and cerebrovascular.

The consumption of fats of the omega 3 type protects against diseases such as arteriosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes. It has also been seen that this type of fat reduces the risk of presenting some types of arrhythmias, depression and even diabetes.

These benefits make many cardiologists recommend the use of omega 3 supplements to patients with diseases that increases cardiovascular risk, as in the case of smokers or those with high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis or diabetes.

Photos: Fotolia - HotHibiscus / Bit24

Topics in Omega 3, 6 and 9