Omega-6 Fat: Is It Really That Deadly?

Even non-hydrogenated vegetable oils, high in omega-6 fatty acids can have devastating health effects if consumed in large quantities.

Or, so we've been told by several health aficionados, whose message is gaining popularity.

So which scientific studies is the demonization of omega-6 (linoleic fatty acid) based on?

After all, vegetable oils rich in those fatty acids are in just about everything from chips and fast food to even, so called healthy, Lean Cuisine frozen meals. While some of us may have already reduced or eliminated such foods in our diets, the vast majority of people haven't.

Let's see what the research says.

I think it's pretty clear that the majority of the research would suggest that diets high in omega-6 fatty acids aren't a good idea. But, should we cut them out entirely? The research also shows that balance is the key. Omega-6 fatty acids should be in proper proportion to omega-3 fatty acids. The debate lies in what exactly that proportion should be.

Check nutrition labels in order to know what kind of fatty acids are in a product. Some products won't list omega-6 fatty acid, but you can identify it also as linoleic. Also, look for the names of the oils used in the ingredients list.

Choose: olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, canola oil, flaxseed, almond oil, fish oil

Avoid: corn oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, soybean oil, wheat germ oil, sesame oil

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