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The Benefits of Omega 3,6,9

By MegaFood Team

by Lauren Manaker

Lauren Manaker is an award-winning registered dietitian-nutritionist, with a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition.

We all know that vitamins, minerals, and protein are important components of a balanced and healthy diet. But fatty acids are crucial components of our diet, too, that deserve our attention. Among the many fatty acids, Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9 fatty acids stand out for their unique benefits and functions in the body. 

Unfortunately, it can be challenging to include adequate amounts of fatty acids in our diets. Modern diets often lack the necessary balance of omega fatty acids (“Omega-3 Fatty Acids”) due to various factors such as poor dietary habits, limited access to omega-rich foods, and the prevalence of processed foods. Therefore, it's important to consider supplementation to receive your daily omega fatty acid needs. And thankfully, MegaFood launched an exciting product that helps bridge these nutritional gaps in a unique way. 

Understanding Omega Fatty Acids

Different Omega fatty acids impact our health in different ways. Since your body can’t produce these important fats on its own in adequate amounts, their intake through diet is not only nice-to-do, but necessary in many cases. There are several types of omega fatty acids, each with its own unique functions and benefits. The most commonly known are Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9 fatty acids:

  • Omega 3 Fatty Acids

    • Omega 3’s help support heart, brain, vision & joint health.* 

  • Omega 6 Fatty Acids

    • Omega-6 fatty acids (Djuricic and Calder) are a group of polyunsaturated fats found in various foods, such as vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds. They play a role in brain function, as well as normal growth and development, by helping regulate metabolism and maintaining the health of cells.

  • Omega 9 Fatty Acids

    • Omega-9 fatty acids (Farag and Gad) are a type of monounsaturated fat commonly found in foods such as olive oil, almonds, and avocados. They play a role in maintaining heart health by helping to reduce "bad" LDL cholesterol levels and increase "good" HDL cholesterol. Additionally, omega-9s may help to enhance immune function and provide energy for the body.

Food Sources of Fatty Acids

Sources of Omega-3s:


  • Salmon
  • Mackerel
  • Sardines
  • Chia Seeds
  • Flaxseeds
  • Walnuts

Sources of Omega-6s:

  • Sunflower Oil
  • Safflower Oil
  • Corn Oil
  • Nuts
  • Seeds

Sources of Omega-9s:

  • Olive Oil
  • Avocadoes
  • Almonds

Vegan Factor, Environmental Impact, and Dietary Compatibility

Including Omega 3, 6, 9’s can fit seamlessly into many diet plans as it is vegan and is friendly to gluten-free diets. There are two main sources of vegan omega’s; ahiflower and algae oil that we can find through diet and supplements.

Algae, which are at the base of the marine food chain, offer a source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Algae oil is extracted from algae grown in a closed system, designed to exclude contaminants like allergens, pesticides, and mercury (a heavy metal). 

  • Ahiflower
    • Ahiflower® is a source of SDA, an EPA precursor shown to be an effective ingredient to promote EPA levels in the body. Additionally, Ahiflower® is often cultivated using environmentally-friendly practices and promotes biodiversity and soil health, requiring fewer resources than other oilseed crops. The Ahiflower® found in MegaFood’s Omega 3-6-9 is farm-traceable, grown in the U.K. using regenerative agriculture practices! 
  • Algae Oil
    • Another emerging alternative to traditional fish oil is algae oil, which is also packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).  Algae oil is beneficial for vegan and vegetarians who are seeking to support heart, brain, and eye health.†
    • By sourcing fish-free Omega oil directly from algal and Ahiflower® sources, we can help combat the effects of overfishing.

Bottom Line

Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9 fatty acids are essential for maintaining overall health and wellness.† To reap the benefits of these three very important nutrients, we recommend shopping our new Omega 3, 6, 9 supplement. It is an effective and convenient way to ensure you receive all three. 

Each dose is crafted to deliver omega fatty acids, while checking many other important boxes:

  • DHA in its highly absorbable triglyceride form
  • Source of SDA, an EPA precursor
  • Contains GLA, a desirable Omega-6 fatty acid
  • Made without carrageenan
  • Third-party tested for mercury
  • Tested for 150+ chemical substances.

Shop MegaFood’s Omega 3-6-9 for 4 to support whole body health.

 

Djuricic, Ivana, and Philip C. Calder. “Beneficial Outcomes of Omega-6 and Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Human Health: An Update for 2021.” Edited by Katerina Vafeiadou. National Library of Medicine, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8308533/.

“Omega-3 Fatty Acids.” National Institute of Health, 2023, https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-HealthProfessional/.

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