Omega-6 linoleic acid (LA) is the most common fat in the American diet. It’s found in many processed foods, vegetable oils, and animal products like beef and eggs. But despite its prevalence in our diets, LA is actually unhealthy for us because it can cause inflammation and other health problems. Let’s take a closer look at why LA is bad for us and how we can avoid it.
The Dangers of Linoleic Acid Omega 6
Omega-6 linoleic acid (LA) is an essential fatty acid that our bodies need to function properly. However, too much of it can be dangerous because it causes inflammation in the body, which can lead to a host of health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and more. It can also weaken our immune systems and make us more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
How Much Is Too Much?
It’s important to note that our bodies need some amount of LA in order to function properly; however, too much can be dangerous. It is recommended that adults consume a maximum of 2 grams of omega-6 seed oils daily; however, on average, the American diet consists of 50 grams daily. This can largely be attributed to processed foods and condiments being overly saturated with these fatty acids.
Avoiding Too Much Omega-6 Linoleic Acid
If you want to avoid consuming too much LA, there are several steps you can take to reduce your intake. First off, try cutting down on processed foods as these often contain high amounts of LA due to their use of vegetable oils such as sunflower or safflower oil. To promote a healthier life, try cooking with beef tallow, butter, ghee, or coconut oil while avoiding processed foods and condiments as well as dishes from restaurants. Additionally, refrain from consuming meat products of animals that are raised on grains such as chicken and pork. To have a healthy balance of omega 6/omega 3, which can help reduce inflammation in the body, eat foods that are rich in omega-3 like salmon or walnuts.
Healthy Fats To Eat
Aside from avoiding omega-6 linoleic acid, it’s also important to make sure you are consuming healthy fats in your diet. Healthy fats include monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids, and omega-9s. Monounsaturated fat can be found in foods like olive oil, avocados, and nuts like almonds. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish such as tuna, salmon, herring, and mackerel as well as omega-3 rich plant sources like flaxseed, chia seed, and walnuts. Lastly, omega-9 fatty acids can be found in olive oil, avocado oil, and macadamia nut oil. Eating a variety of healthy fats is important for the body to stay in balance and help reduce inflammation.
Avoid The Health Risks of Omega-6
Omega-6 linoleic acid (LA) is an essential part of our diets but too much can be harmful due to its inflammatory properties that can lead to serious health problems if left unchecked. To remain healthy, be mindful of the amount of LA you consume. Cut back on processed foods and switch out any animal products containing saturated fat with leaner cuts instead while also adding omega-3 rich foods into your diet like salmon or walnuts so that you have a better balance between omega 6/omega 3 ratios which have been linked with reducing inflammation in the body over time. By taking all these steps together you should be able to keep your intake within safe levels so that you continue enjoying good health!
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