A vast body of research supports not only the need for omega-3s for health, but also the reality that people all over the world are lacking in these essential nutrients.
Still, there is confusion about omega-3 fats. Could fat, long considered a nutritional no-no, be good for you? And what’s the difference between omega-3 and omega-6?
Australians must immediately tip the balance of omega fats to protect their health, according to global omega-3 health expert and consultant to the World Health Organization, Stuart Tomc.
Tomc says the balance between the essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 has tipped to unhealthy levels. “We need both types of fat but we need them in balance,” Tomc said.
“Too much omega-6 has the potential to negate the benefits of omega-3 and may put us at risk of inflammatory diseases.”
He says that modern Australian diets are heavily loaded with omega-6 fats, found in most vegetable oils and processed foods, and called on Australians to proactively avoid excessive omega-6 in their diet and increase omega-3 intake, by eating more cold-water fish or supplementing with omega-3 fish oil.
“We must make a concerted effort to tip the balance in the right direction,” he said.
“We’re drowning ourselves in omega-6s and dangerously lacking in omega-3s. While these two fats are both essential, what’s really vital is maintaining a balance between them. We must increase our omega-3 intake and decrease the omega-6s we consume.”
Tomc has previously toured Australia to present recent research into omega-3 fats and the dangers of dietary fat imbalances. Clinical studies show balanced omega-3/omega-6 blood lipid levels support overall health, particularly heart health.
“We all know animal fats should be limited,” Tomc said. “But this ‘polyunsaturation craze’ has seen a skyrocketing of omega-6 oils like vegetable oil. Unfortunately we are also chronically deficient in omega-3 fats. When we don’t get enough omega-3s from fish, and we get too much omega-6, we cancel out the benefits of both. This imbalance of omega-6 oils increases inflammations in the body and put us at risk of heart disease.”
Watch the short clip below to hear Stuart Tomc, CNHP, explain how to tell if you are taking a high quality fish oil.
About Stuart Tomc, CNHP
With over twenty years experience in the field of Nutritional Medicine, Stuart Tomc is an authority on evidence-based dietary supplements. He is a respected consultant to the World Health Organization and integrative physicians worldwide having traveled the world as an educator and trainer for over 10 years.
In addition, he was a contributing writer in Dr. Perricone’s Seven Secrets to Beauty, Health and Longevity by Dr. Nicholas Perricone, and has appeared on almost 50 television shows and exhibited at over 150 natural health and product shows. At time time of publication Stuart also served as Global Educator for Nordic Naturals.
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