Tag: Omega 6 omega 3 ratio

Chronic inflammation contributes to almost every major chronic illness, from heart disease to cancer. The relationship between dietary fats and this inflammatory response is complex, with omega-3 fatty acids generally having an anti-inflammatory effect while omega-6s have a more nuanced role. This article explores whether omega-3 or omega-6 reduces inflammation and explains the crucial balance required for optimal health.

According to the USDA, a 3-ounce serving of wild-caught Alaskan salmon can contain up to 1.5 grams of omega-3 fatty acids, an amount far superior to beef. While a common myth suggests beef might be a significant source, the reality is that beef contains far less omega-3 than salmon, especially the critical long-chain EPA and DHA fatty acids.

The typical Western diet contains a drastically high ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, sometimes as high as 20:1, compared to an ancestral ratio closer to 1:1. This profound dietary imbalance, driven largely by the overconsumption of refined vegetable oils, can promote chronic, low-grade inflammation in the body. To understand which omega is bad for inflammation, one must consider the role of omega-6 fatty acids, particularly in relation to their anti-inflammatory omega-3 counterparts.