Q. Why are omega-6 fats are they such a problem?

A.When eaten in excess, omega-6 fats work against the benefits of omega-3 fats.  Omega-6 fats make compounds in the body that cause inflammation.  In fact, both over-the-counter and prescription anti-inflammatory medications (such as aspirin, ibuprofen and celebex) work by blocking arachidonic acid, which is a powerful  omega-6 fat.  

In fact, COX-2 inhibitor medications, are prescribed for pain and inflammation., and they work by blocking arachidonic acid (omega-6 fat), from making the compounds trigging pain, swelling and inflammation.

In fact, 14 well-designed studies, using omega-3s (fish oil) to treat rheumatoid arthritis patients, resulted in reduced rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in a dose dependent manner. Furthermore, if the patients ate a diet low in Arachidonic (potent omega-6), there was even  greater improvement.

Among the top source of Omega-6 fats are  corn oil, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil and their products such as margarine, salad dressing, mayonnaise and cooking oils.  These fats have been known as “heart healthy” fats, because they are vegetable oils, high in polyunsaturated fats.

Sources:

Simopoulos, AP.The Importance of the Omega-6/Omega-3 Fatty Acid Ratio in Cardiovascular Disease and Other Chronic Diseases. Experimental Biology and Medicine 2008 233: 674-688.

Cleland LG, James MJ, Proudman SM. Fish oil: what the prescriber needs to know.Arthritis Res Ther. 2006;8(1):202.