Omega 6 is a type of fatty acid and is very important for our body. Let’s look at what these are in more detail.
Omega 6 is a fatty acid found in many foods and is so biologically important that many studies have been done on it. In the following article, we will learn what Omega-6 is, what it does, its health benefits, and how it interacts with other nutrients. We will also examine why too much Omega-6 can cause problems and discuss foods that contain these chemicals.
What is Omega-6? Omega-6, like Omega-3, is a lipid classified as a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) due to the large number of carbon atoms in its chemical structure. In this particular class, the first two bonds are between the sixth and seventh carbon atoms of the chain, starting with the methyl group at either end of the macromolecule. Omega-6, like Omega-3, is defined as an essential fatty acid that must be obtained from food because it cannot be produced by our body. The precursor of Omega-6 fatty acids is linoleic acid (LA).
Omega-6: What does it do?
Properties and Functions After learning these, let’s now look at the functions of Omega 6. Skin Physiology Linoleic acid plays a special role in the functioning of the skin. In fact, the epidermis consists of cells and a lipid-rich extracellular matrix, and a large part of this matrix is made up of ceramides. They are made exclusively of linoleic acid. In general, the extracellular matrix acts as a permeability barrier for the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, whose fluidity depends on the content of linoleic acid. Therefore, the presence of omega 6 in the diet can have positive effects on the skin. Production of lipid mediators Linoleic acid is a precursor to other omega-6 fatty acids, such as gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and arachidonic acid (AA), which can be incorporated into the phospholipids of cell membranes. Arachidonic acid is particularly high in the fatty acids and acts as a substrate for the production of lipid mediators. These include a group of chemicals called eicosanoids, which play a role in regulating the immune system and inflammation, as well as blood flow and blood pressure. Cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health Importantly, it has been shown that moderate intake of omega-6, as a partial replacement for saturated fatty acids, can reduce total and LDL cholesterol concentrations in the blood, working through different molecular mechanisms. The ability of omega-6 to lower LDL cholesterol is generally associated with cardiovascular risk. If omega 6 is accepted and beneficial to the diet, it will have a long-term effect on the heart.
Omega-6: What are they used for?
Properties and Functions Now that we know what they are, let’s talk about the functions of omega 6. â Skin Physiology Linoleic acid plays a special role in the function of the skin. In fact, the epidermis consists of cells and a lipid-rich extracellular matrix, of which ceramides make up a large part. These are made up primarily of linoleic acid. In general, the extracellular matrix acts as a permeability barrier for the stratum corneum (the outer layer of the skin), whose fluidity depends on the linoleic acid content. Therefore, adding Omega 6 to your diet can benefit your skin. Formation of lipid mediators Linoleic acid is a precursor to other omega-6 fatty acids, such as gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and arachidonic acid (AA), which can be incorporated into the phospholipids of cell membranes. Arachidonic acid, which is particularly high in content and is a substrate for the production of lipid mediators. These include a group of chemicals called eicosanoids, which play a role in regulating blood flow and blood pressure, as well as immunity and inflammation. Cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health More importantly, moderate omega 6 consumption, as a partial replacement for saturated fatty acids, has been shown to reduce total and LDL cholesterol concentrations in the blood and to work through different molecular mechanisms. In general, the ability of Omega 6 to lower LDL cholesterol is associated with cardiovascular risk. If Omega 6 is accepted and beneficial to the diet, it will have a long-term effect on the heart.
