The oils are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids omega 3 and omega 6 that are critical for their benefit, to enjoy good health.

Now the words are in vogue Omega 3, Omega 6 and its relation to cholesterol, skin and even hormonal regulation. What they really are, where we find them and take precautions?

They are called essential fatty acids among these are linoleic acid, the family of Omega 6 (sunflower oil, corn, soybean, sesame, hemp, evening primrose, borage, blackcurrant seed), and alpha-linolenic acid , the family of Omega 3 (flaxseed oil, soybeans, squash, nuts, green leafy vegetables and oily fish) The great virtue of these oils is that, once metabolized, and if the body has the right conditions, become on prostaglandins, which exert a powerful effect on our health.

Prostaglandins
Prostaglandins we produce larger quantities in our body are PG1 and PG3, since they satisfy the following functions:

• Regulate the flow of substances in and out of cells.
• Reduce the formation of platelets.
• Lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Regulate eye pressure, joints and blood vessels.
• They act as sinking of the kidney.
• Dilate blood vessels.
• Regulate cell division and can help prevent cancer.
• Prevent inflammation.
• Regulate the response to pain, inflammation and swelling.
• They help insulin more effective.
• Improve nerve function and immune system.
• Regulate calcium metabolism.
• Prevent the departure of arachidonic acid from cell membranes.
• Regulate the production of steroids.
• They are responsible for mobilizing the saturated fat.

On the other hand, prostaglandins PG2
Meet the following functions:

• Promote clotting.
• Induce salt and water retention, and increased blood pressure.
• Pro-inflammatory.

Although these functions are important for the body, it is important not to produce excessive PG2.
The best way to control their production, is generating greater quantities of PG1 and PG3, which are the control exerted on arachidonic acid (precursor of the PG2) This is achieved by consuming Omega 6 and 3 oils, green leafy vegetables, fish blue and reducing the consumption of red meat and dairy products.

On the other hand, certain factors can inactivate enzymes that are responsible for putting the metabolism of these oils in place to produce prostaglandins.

Here are

• Food high in saturated fat and cholesterol.
• Processed fats (margarine, prepared foods etc.)
• Alcohol.
• Excess sugar in the diet.
• Stress.
• Deficiency of the minerals magnesium, zinc and calcium, and vitamin B6, B3, C, A and biotin.
• Viral infections.
• Radiation.
• Cigarettes.
• Aspirin and anti-inflammatory.

When any of these factors is present, enzymes are inhibited by blocking the formation of PG1 and PG3. This means that even take flax oil, nuts or eat green leafy vegetables, if the enzymes are blocked, we can not metabolize food and convert them into prostaglandins. This may cause or aggravate problems such as PMS, breast pain, arthritis, eczema, asthma, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome and cardiovascular problems, among others. In these cases, it is best to oils within the metabolic chain, do not require the help of enzymes to become PG1 and PG3 prostaglandins. These oils are borage, blackcurrant and evening primrose seeds (high in GLA), to form PG1 and fish such as salmon, trout, mackerel, sardines, herring (high in EPA), to form the PG3. However, the solution is not only avoid the metabolic block certain oils but avoid those factors that may block.
enzymes.

Signs of deficiency of Omega 6 oils

• Eczema or skin problems.
• Hair loss.
• Degeneration of liver and kidneys.
• Excessive sweating accompanied by thirst.
• Susceptibility to infections.
• Inability to heal or heal wounds.
• Infertility in men.
• Spontaneous abortions in women.
• Arthritis and related diseases.
• Cardiovascular problems.

Signs of deficiency of Omega 3 oils

• Weakness.
• Loss of vision.
• Loss of learning ability.
• Incoordination.
• Tingling in arms and legs.
• Behavioral changes.
• High triglycerides.
• High blood pressure.
• Chronic inflammation.
• Edema or fluid retention.
• Dry skin.
• Mental deterioration.
• Slow metabolism.
• Problems with immunity.

Without doubt, are polyunsaturated fats that we must eat to stay healthy. However, they are not without danger. For example, room temperature liquid oils are hydrogenated, altered, or heated for the manufacture of margarines, bakery products, prepared foods, etc.., Have harmful effects on our cardiovascular system, immune, reproductive, for energy metabolism and fats, the health of our cells and liver function. On the other hand, the chemical alteration of the oils Omega 6 and 3, also acts directly on the enzymes delta-6-desaturase and delta-5-desaturase, turning them off and blocking, thus the formation of prostaglandins PG1 and PG3.

Another negative aspect of these oils is that, even help lower LDL lipoproteins that transport fats to the cells, they also reduce the amount of HDL lipoproteins that transport fats to the liver to be eliminated from the body. For this reason, it is important not to abuse them.

Family oils Omega 6 and 3 are very sensitive to light, oxygen and temperature. When exposed to these factors become free radicals. This means that instead of exerting a positive effect on our health, damaging our cells act. For this reason, it is essential NOT use it to cook and to protect them tightly and stored in the refrigerator. On the contrary, the best cooking oil is virgin olive oil, monounsaturated since being more resistant to high temperatures. Despite this, it is important not to burn ever, and reap the same oil to make two meals.

Back to Polyunsaturated oils

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