I recently discussed disturbing new data on the impact of omega-6 fatty acids on genetic expression.1 At the recent International Fatty Acid Conference in the Netherlands I had the opportunity to talk with Joe Hibbeln, the lead author, of that study at length.
During the conference, his group presented more data on how excess omega-6 fatty acids double the production of endocannabinoids (the hormones that make you hungry). Furthermore, increasing the intake of omega-6 fatty acids from 1 percent of total calories (what it was in 1960 and apparently all the way back to 1900) to 8 percent of total calories (the current level in the American diet) causes massive genetic changes that result in greater obesity.
It should be noted that the American Heart Association recommends 5-10 percent of total calories should be omega-6 fats. Let’s put this into perspective. 1 percent of total calories represents about 20 calories or about 2 grams of omega-6 fatty acids. That’s the amount to fill about one-half teaspoon. Eight percent of the total calories (assuming a 2,000-calorie-per-day intake) represent 16 grams of omega-6 fatty acids. That’s the amount that would fill a tablespoon.
There it is. The difference between being lean and fat may be determined by a very small amount of the same fats being pushed by agribusiness and the American Heart Association. These fats are ubiquitous as they also represent the cheapest form of calories and are the foundation of American agribusiness.
The only good news from the conference is that if you take 2 grams of EPA and DHA per day, you can reverse the inflammatory damage done by the increase in omega-6 fatty acid consumption. So maybe our obesity epidemic started the day that mothers stopped giving their children a daily tablespoon of cod liver oil that would have contained 2.5 grams of EPA and DHA.
Fortunately, you can get the same amount of EPA and DHA today with only four capsules or one teaspoon of OmegaRx and without the excessive toxins contained in today’s cod liver oil or other fish oil available in grocery or health-food stores.
But without the added EPA and DHA in the American diet, we are probably doomed to become fatter, sicker and dumber with each succeeding generation.
Reference:
- Cardiovascular Psychiatry and Neurology (2009;2009:867041).
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