Research Question:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer are important causes of death in most countries. But clinical and epidemiological studies fail to give a clear biological explanation for the effect of different fats in diet on the risk of heart disease and cancer. The purpose of this review article was therefore to find out the effects of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids intake of getting heart disease and cancer.
What is the daily optimal omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids intake to prevent heart disease and cancer?
Study Design:
This is a descriptive overview article.
Results and conclusions:
On the basis of experimental and epidemiological studies the researchers concluded that a diet low in saturated fat and low in omega-6 fatty acids the chances of getting both cardiovascular disease and cancer reduced. 4 and% or lower omega-6 fatty acids would be the optimal level. 1 to 2 and% is sufficient to a deficiency of omega-6 fatty acids in the body.
The high average intake of omega-6 fatty acids in the Western countries can explain the sustained high level of heart disease and the increased incidence of certain cancers, including breast cancer.
The intake of omega-3 fatty acids must minimal 3 grams per day for adults whose minimal 2 grams of alpha-linolenic acid.
The Mediterranean diet (low in saturated and omega-6 fatty acids, but rich in vegetable monounsaturated fatty acids) seems to be the best approach to reduce the risk of getting both to reduce heart disease and cancer, in particular breast cancer.
Original title:
New insights into the health effects of dietary saturated and omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids by the Lorgeril M and Salen P.
Link:
http://w14.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1741-7015-10-50.pdf
Additional information about El Mondo:
Omega-3 fatty acids are EPA, DHA and alpha-linolenic acid and omega-6 fatty acids are linoleic acid and arachidonic acid.
Read more about omega-3 fatty acids in the presentation fats.