Research & Development In Brief
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
Omega-6 lowers heart disease risk: The American Heart Association recommends consuming 5 percent to 10 percent of energy from omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids to lower the risk of coronary heart disease. The association released the science advisory Jan. 27 in response to studies suggesting "some individuals" should reduce omega-6 consumption despite a "large body of literature" that says higher intake reduces CHD. Research against increased consumption says omega-6 contributes to vascular inflammation and luminal narrowing in women with CHD. Other research that tips the scale in favor of omega-6 consumption suggests it lowers low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which can inflame vascular tissue. Omega-6 also may improve insulin resistance to reduce diabetes mellitus, lower blood pressure and reduce stroke risk. It is not associated with cancer, according to the advisory and research review