What’s Up With Omegas?
Essential Fatty Acids at a glance.
Fatty Acids are the building blocks of fats.
Our bodies use fats in many different ways; fats are used for energy storage, building cell membranes, and for allowing signals to be sent through the body. Essential Fatty Acids (Omega 3 & 6) are fats the body require but cannot synthesize on its own. (So we need to get them from food!)
What are Omegas?
The ‘Omega’ in Omega Fatty Acids refers to the position of the final double bond from the end of the molecular chain. (Welcome back to chemistry class everyone!). The body uses a variety of Omegas, however only Omega 3 & 6 are considered ‘essential.’
Aren’t Omega 6’s bad?
Our bodies require both Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, however since these fats compete for our bodies enzymes it is important to have a balanced ratio of Omega 6:3 in our diets. The optimal ratio is 3:1 -1:1, however most Western diets have a ratio closer to 14:1 (No bueno!).
The Importance of Balancing Omegas
Having a balanced ratio of Omegas is critical for heart, brain, and metabolic function. Additionally a proper ratio of Omegas supports mood balance and is beneficial against inflammatory issues in the body, and an optimally functioning immune system.
How to get balanced Omegas in your diet?
Many supplement their diet with Omega 3’s in order to balance their ratio of Fatty Acids to reduce risk of chronic disease. Fish, plant oils and seeds are all sources of Omega Fatty Acids.
Hemp provides a Balanced Ratio of plant-based Omegas!
Hemp seed oil contains the optimal 3:1 ratio of Omega Fatty Acids,