Last week, the American Heart Association (AHA) issued a new science advisory concluding that omega-6 fatty acids are a beneficial part of a health-healthy diet.

The advisory was published in the January 26, 2009 online issue of Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association .

Omega-6 fatty acids, a family of unsaturated fatty acids, are found in some vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds, and there has been debate surrounding the role of omega-6 fatty acids in arterial inflammation, a marker for heart disease. According to this AHA advisory, omega-6 fatty acids should be included in heart-healthy eating. It is recommended that most people consume at least 5-10% of their total daily calories from omega-6 fatty acids. The advisory also indicates that higher intake of omega-6 fatty acids might reduce diabetes risk and lower blood pressure.

Most Americans already get enough omega-6 fatty acids from the foods they are current eating. Like omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats. According to the AHA, omega-6 can have health benefits if consumed in recommended amounts and especially when it is used to replace trans fats. This advisory was based on an analysis of previous clinical trials and observational studies, including studies which showed that people who ate the most omega-6 in their diet usually had less heart disease.

Source

Circulation 2009.DOI:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.108.191627.