Until very recently, omega-6 fatty acids, and more specifically, linoleic acid, which is one of the ‘most common of the polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty-acids,’ had the reputation for promoting inflammation. And, therefore, it carried the reputation for being BAD FOR YOU. That’s because the linoleic acid transforms into another omega-6 fatty acid called arachidonic acid, which turns into other inflammatory-causing compounds.
However, recent research is now proving that it also contains many anti-inflammatory effects. Specifically, researchers at the University of East Finland analyzed research data that had been conducted on 2500 men for 20+ years. When the test respondents were divided into groups, based on levels of linoleic acid serum, they “found that the group with the highest levels of the linoleic serum had a 43% lower risk of death than the group with lower levels. “
The bottom line is that, based on this research, omega-6 fatty acids do NOT promote inflammation. Omega-6 fatty acids are found is such foods, as nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, grains, and beans.