7 Myths About Omega Fatty Acids....Myth #1: All Omega fatty acids are equal....Myth #2: You should eat as many Omega fatty acids as possible....Myth #3: Safflower, canola, corn, and sunflower oils are good sources of Omega 3s.... Myth #4: Corn and canola are healthy oils & more...

 Michelle Schoffro Cook February 5, 2015   

Considering all the talk of Omega 3, 6, 7, and 9 fatty acids, you may be left a bit confused as to which ones you should be eating and which ones to avoid. To help you decipher the truth from the myth, here are the 7 most common myths about Omega fatty acids.

Myth #1: All Omega fatty acids are equal.

Fact: There is a big difference between the different types of Omega fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory, for example, while Omega 6s are pro-inflammatory.

Myth #2: You should eat as many Omega fatty acids as possible.

Fact: Since most people already get excessive amounts of Omega 6s you should likely cut down on Omega 6s, while boosting your intake of Omega 3s, 7s, and 9s. Most nutrition experts suggest that we eat about thirty to forty times the Omega 6s than Omega 3s in our diet. Omega 3s, which we need more of, are found in flaxseeds and hempseeds, Omega 7s are primarily found in sea buckthorn berries and oil (learn more about sea buckthorn here), and Omega 9s are high in olives and olive oil.

Myth #3: Safflower, canola, corn, and sunflower oils are good sources of Omega 3s.

Fact: These oils are highest in omega-6s, the ones you’re most likely getting too much of. Even if you’re not consciously aware of eating these oils they are found in most baked goods, processed and prepared foods. That leads me to Myth #4.

Myth #4: Corn and canola are healthy oils.

Fact: The crops from which these oils are derived are heavily genetically-modified, making any nutritional value they once held insufficient in comparison to the potential health problems they may cause. more