Omega 6 versus Omega 3: Who is the winner? | Fish Oil Blog

There is a big battle raging between Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids in the medical and dietitian world. With advocates of both the oils at loggerheads with each other, it becomes tougher than ever to find the best of the two. Omega 3-s are essential fatty acids necessary for the human body’s proper functioning. But our body does not produce them internally and hence, we need to supply it with adequate nutrients to keep its omega-3 stock running. Omega-6 is akin to omega-3, but comes with  lot of side effects and ill benefits too. This article will explore on the reasons behind which is the better of the two – omega 3 or omega 6.

Omega 3 vs Omega 6: The medical world is all for such a comparison. But the pharmaceutical world may deny the very existence of a comparison and a need to compare. Analyzed in depth, omega 6 acids have all the nutrients necessary to keep the body running. It is true that you can gain lots by taking omega 6. But never does that mean that omega -6 cannot be harmful to the human body. Yes! Omega-6 fatty acids play a vital role in normal growth and brain development. They can stimulate hair growth, skin health, brain health, bone strength and regulation of metabolic activities.

Benefits of Omega-6 acids: There are several benefits and below are a few:

1. Diabetic neuropathy – Omega-6 reduces weight, controls blood sugar levels and reduces symptoms of pain in neuropathy.

2. Clears depression – Omega 6 prevents depression, bipolar disorder and other mental health related problems.

3. Reduces hypertension, menopausal symptoms and pain. The GLA in the oil can reduce blood pressure and annihilate the amount of bad cholesterol in the body.

4. Reduces risk of ADHD, Breast Cancer etc: Omega-6 reduces risk of breast cancer, ADHD and Crohn’s disease. Studies reveal that women with breast cancer showed better response to GLA in Omega-6 than other women who were administered the regular drugs. Similarly, children with ADHD turn calm or less violent when administered with omega-6 supplements.

5. Alleviates menopausal symptoms: Omega-6 acids also reduce menopausal symptoms, alleviating the stress and physical cramps caused due to menopause or menstruation.

Though omega-6 has so many benefits, it has several ill-effects also. Yes. Omega 6, when compared to omega 3 is not safer or saner to use. Reason: Omega-6 is found to cause depression or dullness in the brain.

Omega 6 – The other side: A study conducted on depressed rats revealed the high presence of omega-6 fatty acids in the brain. Research revealed that arachidonic acid (a metabolite) and a product of omega-6 acids present in the brain can cause dullness and depression in a person. Found abundantly in omega-6 supplements, arachidonic acid is also a precursor to inflammation and is pro-inflammation. While omega-3 suppresses inflammation, omega-6 stirs it up, causing swelling, pain, weakness, numbness and fatigue. All this, in turn, leads to depression and dysfunction of the organ involved. This depression can lead to Alzheimer’s disease or ADHD or even bipolar disease.

Which is better? We cannot pinpoint and say that omega 3 is better than omega 6 or vice versa. The best way out is to find a balance between the two.