Omega fatty acids are an essential nutrient that humans need to function. Although the fatty acids are vital to good health, many times they are inadvertently ignored or avoided in an effort to reduce fat intake. While omega-3s seem to get all of the attention, omega-6 fatty acids also deserve some attention.
Taking measures to increase the amount of omega-6 fatty acids in the diet will provide enough nutrients to improve health. Here are some sources you should add to your diet:
Nuts and Seeds
The natural fats in nuts and seeds include omega-6 fatty acids, which play a vital role in brain function and muscle growth. Although nuts and seeds have a high number of calories per serving, eating one serving per day as a snack will provide you with many of the health benefits without ruining your diet.
Nuts and seeds contain many different types of healthy fats. Omega-6 fatty acids are only one type that is found in the food item, and it can dramatically improve health to eat a serving of nuts on a regular basis. The key is avoiding the temptation to overeat due to the high calories.
Whole Grain Breads
Processed breads are generally not a healthy option due to the high rate of sugar and the low nutrient value. Whole grain breads, on the other hand, are a healthy way to get many nutrients, including omega-6 fatty acids; many natural grains have omega-6 fatty acids among their nutrients.
Although some white bread are fortified with healthy fatty acids, everything else about them is unhealthy. A whole grain alternative will provide omega-6 fatty acids without the sugar of its white counterpart. If you’re trying to cut carbs, you may want to consider an omega-6 supplement to help you up your intake.
Eggs
Eggs are a healthy source of protein, omega-6 fatty acids and lutein. All of the nutrients are vital to human health and wellness. Eating one to two eggs on a regular basis will provide many health benefits with limited downsides. Limit the amount of oil or butter used to prevent it from sticking to the pan when cooking eggs. The eggs already contain fat, so adding unhealthy additional oil and fat will only reduce the healthy benefits of eggs.
A healthy diet should strive to balance omega-6 fatty acids with other nutrients. By focusing on a diet that is well-balanced and low in processed foods, it is easier to obtain good health.