Remember that we are talking about the ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 oils. We need both of them in our diets. It is generally stated that the ideal ratio is 1:2 (3's:6's), but it is also believed that humans once ate a diet in a 1:1 ratio. The SAD is many times off balance.

So, the standard American response is to take more Omega 3's. The problem is that you cannot fix the problem of eating toxic, rancid oils by adding something else to the mix. This is the problem with adding oils to AIM--you cannot fix a dangerous substance by adding these oils to it anymore than you can fix the SAD and its inherent imbalances--in large part created by eating the toxic fats in processed and fried foods and by using the cooking oils sold in grocery stores---by adding an omega 3 supplements. In general, the average person will get enough omega3's if she eats dark green leafy green vegetables and seeds, so long as she does NOT eat excessive amounts of foods with higher levels of omega 6's. In other words, it is the imbalanced ratio created by processed fats and "cooking oils" of all kinds (including canola, which is extremely rancid, denatured and unhealthy) which pose the biggest problems. EFAs are unstable--they degrade very quickly and must be kept refrigerated and consumed very quickly. To make oils shelf-stable all of the EFAs need to be removed and the process of doing so uses hexane and other toxic substances, leaving a product that in no way supports human health. Olive oil is considered by many to be safe (although most cheap brands are adulterated with other oils) b/c it contains no EFAs and is not subjected to these procedures. 

EFA deficiency is a condition of excess more than it is one of deprivation. 

BTW, it is not accurate that women only convert ALA when they are breastfeeding. Women always convert ALA (a small number of people appear to be deficient in this capacity). Men have been shown to convert very minute amounts as well. There is no historic dietary source of DHA, (no prehistoric Martek) so we would have to have the capacity to convert it. 


 


Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, CT, USA
Intuitive Parenting Network LLC

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