Strike the right balance of omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids (Principle #8)

with Sally Fallon Morell

Chances are that you and many people you know take an omega-3 or fish oil supplement. These supplements are among the most popular on the market, yet they are highly misunderstood. For optimal health, we really need to strike a balance between omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids. The right balance can protect our heart health, reduce inflammation in the body and improve neurological function. But how do we get there?

Is fish oil the same as cod liver oil? Are supplements the best way to get essential fatty acids? How can we get more omega-3 fatty acids in our diet? Is it possible to get too much omega-3? Is omega-6 all bad?

Sally Fallon Morell, the head of the Weston A. Price Foundation, dispels myths and misconceptions about essential fatty acids in this episode, as she explains principle #8 of the Wise Traditions diet: how traditional peoples ate just the right balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. (These fatty acids are called essential because we must get them from our diet. Our bodies can’t make these on their own.)

You’ll learn about the importance of arachidonic acid, the role of DHA and EPA, and the ideal ratios of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Most importantly, you’ll learn which foods to include in your diet to strike the delicate balance that is critical for improved health and well-being.

Notes

The interview highlights:

why you need just the right balance between omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids
why there is confusion on this topic
what foods are most problematic and why
which foods should be included in our diet
why industrial seed oils are so damaging
what cod liver oil offers in terms of addressing this issue
how to supplement the right amounts using food instead of pills
why fish oil should be avoided
why arachidonic acid is important
why some people are better at converting Omega-3 and Omega-6 into DHA, EPA and arachidonic acid