There are three types of ω-6 unsaturated fatty acids, namely ω-6 (linoleic acid), γ-linolenic acid and eicosatetraenoic acid.
(1) Omega-6 fatty acids
Omega-6 is a polyunsaturated fatty acid of the omega-6 family and is one of the essential fatty acids that cannot be synthesized by the human body. The first double bond of omega-6 fatty acids appears on the sixth carbon atom from the methyl atom, so it is called omega-6 fatty acid. Omega-6 is widely dispersed in vegetable oils and fats, and the content is quite high. According to the eating habits of the Chinese, more oil is generally used in cooking, so there will be no omega-6 deficiency. The problem now is that omega-6 is consumed too much. After entering the human body, omega-6 will synthesize eicosatetraenoic acid, which will have negative effects such as promoting platelet aggregation, inducing chronic inflammation, and promoting cancer. The reason for the sharp increase in European and American cancers such as lung cancer, colorectal cancer and breast cancer is all related to excessive intake of omega-6. Therefore, experts call for the key to prevent excessive intake of omega-6 in order to maintain health.
(2) γ-linolenic acid
Gamma-linolenic acid can be synthesized in the human body after taking omega-6 foods, or it can be obtained from food.
Foods with higher content of γ-linolenic acid include kelp. General foods do not contain γ-linolenic acid.
Gamma-linolenic acid is converted into dimerized gamma-linolenic acid in the human body, which in turn is converted into eicosatetraenoic acid and can synthesize prostaglandins. Prostaglandins can regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and prevent hypertension and diabetes. At the same time, it can also lower cholesterol in the blood and inhibit platelet aggregation, thereby preventing fat from accumulating in the blood. It also has the effect of dilating blood vessels and promoting blood circulation, which can effectively prevent diseases such as arteriosclerosis or myocardial infarction. Unfortunately, infants cannot synthesize gamma-linolenic acid, and the ability of adults over 40 to synthesize gamma-linolenic acid will drop significantly. In addition, alcohol, fat, stress, and chemicals can affect the synthesis of gamma-linolenic acid. Therefore, most people lack gamma-linolenic acid.
(3) Eicosatetraenoic acid
Eicosatetraenoic acid and γ-linolenic acid are both called vitamin F, and are also essential fatty acids. Eicosatetraenoic acid is the raw material of the biological regulating hormone of the prostaglandin II series. When the prostaglandin I series and the prostaglandin II series work together, they can effectively regulate blood pressure and the function of the immune system. It should be pointed out in particular that eicosatetraenoic acid is an essential fatty acid that is indispensable for the normal development of the fetus and infant. If the fetus and infant lack eicosatetraenoic acid, they will cause dysplasia. Although eicosatetraenoic acid has certain health functions, it is not lacking in modern people's diet. According to authoritative statistics, in the past 50 years, the intake of eicosatetraenoic acid by humans has increased by 4 times, mainly due to the increase in meat consumption and excessive intake of ω-6. Excessive intake of eicosatetraenoic acid has serious consequences. It will produce a large amount of histamine, thrombin, colorectal triene, platelet activation factor and other highly active mediators that can cause allergies, inflammation and cancer, and can cause European and American cancers such as lung cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer and skin cancer. To reduce the content of eicosapentaenoic acid in the human body, the key is to reduce the intake of omega-6 fatty acids.