High ω6:ω3 fatty acid ratio: The Israeli experience

Abstract

Consuming polyunsaturated fatty acids instead of saturated fat has been advocated for many years now, in an attempt to lower blood cholesterol and reduce atherosclerotic disease. In Israel, there is a high intake of ω6 fatty acids, a low total and trans fat intake, a high fruit and vegetable intake-but a similar prevalence of chronic diseases as in the rest of the western world. This Israeli paradox is probably due to the too-high intake of ω6 fatty acids, which can promote insulin resistance, increased atherogenesis and thrombosis, coronary events and cancer. Increasing ω3 fatty acid intake, by modifying fat content in foods and public education, seems a plausible way of raising the ω6:ω3 fatty acid ratio and lowering the rate of chronic diseases, in a population consuming a diet rich in ω6 fat. © 2008 Humana Press Inc.