Almonds and Omega 6

Almonds are a source essential omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids.  Is this a problem?

Omega-6 fatty acids have been vilified for a supposed connection with cardiovascular disease in recent years. We dove into this issue and found multiple encouraging and very enlightening articles, which all propose a simply answer and solution:

Omega-6 fatty acids (which almonds are a good source of) are not linked to cardiovascular disease if consumed in moderation from whole, unprocessed food sources. In the past several decades, consumption of omega-6 fatty acids has skyrocketed. In tandem with this increased consumption has been cardiovascular disease, in addition to other chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Witnessing this led many to a conclusion that the two must be positively related.

To state things in an over-simplified manner, they are indeed related. However, there is much more information behind what seems obvious that serves to disqualify this easily-made statement.

Countless researchers have found that omega-6 fatty acids, when consumed in moderation from whole, unprocessed food sources and especially when consumed alongside the proper amount of omega-3 fatty acids, actually REDUCE the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancers, and diabetes. Our almonds fit right into that!

So then why the fuss? Well, omega-6 fatty acids do become a health problem when they are consumed via industrial seed and vegetable oils. Unfortunately, for the average American (or even most people in more developed countries), this is the primary source.

Industrial seed oils and vegetable oils (canola, sunflower, corn, soy) are in almost every processed food we eat, from seaweed snack packages (which sound really healthy, right?) to our baked goods and salad dressings. This form of omega-6 fatty acids is especially problematic because of their high prevalence in two primary places:

1. These oils are found frequently in drive-thru and sit-down restaurants for deep-frying purposes. Almost without exception, this oil is used and re-used for at least several days. This constant re-heating of the same oil allows it to oxidize. This overheated, rancid oil contains numerous negative changes to the chemistry of the oil, including degrading the quality and strength of Vitamin E (a vitamin almonds are high in). Vitamin E is an antioxidant, meaning it protects fatty acids from lipid oxidation.

2. The other problem with these vegetable and seed oils has to do with their method of extraction. Virtually all vegetable and seed oils must be produced through heat (which degrades Vitamin E, resulting in a level of oxidation) and/or through the addition of hexane (which is later evaporated out). Hexane is a hydrocarbon, found in the same family as diesel fuel and gasoline. Trace amounts of this will remain after the evaporation process.

So are you concerned about your intake of omega-6? The answer is simple, though it may be hard to break old habits of eating: eat whole, unprocessed foods that contain omega-6 and ones that contain omega-3. Remove vegetable and seed oils from your diet. Most articles we found recommended eating foods like fatty fish and almonds as they contain the exact nutrients needed for a healthy omega-6 diet.

Raw almonds, since they are a good source of intact Vitamin E and magnesium, actually work to prevent lipid oxidation, lipid oxidation being the very problem linked to omega-6-rich diets that cause Americans‘ countless health problems.

In short, it is easiest to remember that it is far cheaper to pay the farmer than it is to pay the doctor. Plus, you don‘t have to worry about hassles insurance while you‘re dealing with health issues!

Almonds Nearing Harvest Time

You can buy unpasteurized raw almonds and almond butter directly from the California farmer at Capay Hills Orchard. Order off the website, www.chorganicalmonds.com or by calling or texting 530-507-8222. Talk or text directly with the farmer, Brian Paddock Alternatively email capayhillsorchard@gmail.com Please share this post with your friends.

Capay Hills Orchard is a small family farm growing the best raw almonds, raw almond butter and smoked almonds. Capay Hills Orchard is Veteran owned, Bee Friendly certified, and of-course Certified Organic using Regenerative farming practices.