We are living in an era of “enlightenment” regarding fats, no doubt about it. The “Dietary Dark Ages” – the era of hydrogenated fats, margarine, unhealthy oils – are nearly over. Informed consumers are upping their Omega 3 fatty acid intake via diet – fatty fish in particular – and also through the wide range of excellent fish oils, the exciting new krill oils, and even vegan-based Omega 3 supplements.

What many consumers don’t realize is that they may be reversing the benefits of those dietary supplements, and even reversing the benefits of their increased (and expensive) fish intake. Why? Simply because while we are becoming very conscious of our extra Omega 3 fat consumption, most of us don’t consider our toxic intake of Omega 6 fats, fats that can counter all the great things the Omega 3’s have to offer.

First let’s review why we take Omega 3 supplements (and why we are eating more fatty fish, like Salmon, Halibut and the like). We know that the two, major Omega 3 fats, EPA and DHA are basically health-miracles. There are few, if any substances that have shown as much benefit as these two amazing substances. In adults, we know that they reduce the incidence of several kinds of cancer by as much as 75%.i They can dramatically reduce the risk of coronary disease.ii They can reduce the risk of stroke, iii as well as dementia.ivAnd, we know they contribute to healthy, lustrous skin.v

Excitingly, the Omega 3’s also seem to promote healthy mood and better memory and brain function.vi They can even reduce the symptoms of PMS and menstrual problems in women.vii They may even help to control weight.viii In kids, they do some really exciting things, like prevent ADD and ADHD.ix This is no surprise, since one of the key functions of these fats in the body is creating healthy nerve cells. Children who get enough of these fats actually do much better in school, and seem to be happier and less moody.x

I take many supplements every day, but of all the ones I take, I suspect I would be most reluctant to give up my Omega 3 supplement (I take Barlean’s Fish Oil). Nutritional supplements and diet recommendations seem to come and go, but when it comes to our knowledge of fats, the Omega 3 fats are on the “short list,” of substances that are so solidly established and of such great value, that they are “here to stay,” as it were. It’s not hard to find personal success stories where folks describe recovering from skin conditions, depression, or reversal of a seizure disorder, or improvement in cholesterol metabolism.