I disagree with the characterization of Omega 6 PUFAs as "healthy".  Given the pro-inflammatory nature of Omega 6s and their overabundance in the typical American diet, most of us walk around in a state of chronic systemic inflammation.  This is a major causal factor to scores of chronic conditions. 

We must restore Omega balance or suffer the consequences.  We need to look no further than the chronic disease burden in our country to see the manifestations of this situation.

All Omega PUFAs are not created equal!!!!!

Dick G

10/23/08 12:33pm

Bor Bauer's comment is spot on. Additionally, there is another down or dark side to vegetable oils. Not only are they high in omega 6's but they are extracted primarily with high heat and or solvents. As a result they are oxidized crap before even being placed in bottles. Think canola is a good alternative? All canola even expellar pressed products need to undergo a deodorization procees that involves heat. Canola is more unsaturated that most vegetable oils due to it's high content of triple unsaturated omega 3 (ALA). Corn, soybean, canola and other seed oils have been presented to us as health foods by an industry that stands (already has) to make a tremendous amount of money.

I appreciate your effort to inform us about the many types of oils we consume. What I would like to see added to your list of oils is, coconut oil. I think there is a lot of misinformation concerning this oil. I use it often as well as olive oil, and butter from grass fed cows. Olive and coconut oil can easily be found that have not been heat nor chemically treated, nor deodorized. These are the only "fats" I use along with DHA supplements. Also, the statement that beef is "bad" for us is deceptive. This statement is misleading and incomplete. Beef that is grain fed and chemically treated is "bad" for us (this includes the dairy products). Grass fed beef is good for us. To know more on this go to teaxsgrassfedbeef and read the assay on this subject; very informative.