How Your Diet Affects Omega-3 and Omega-6: Simple Changes for a Healthier Heart

Are Your Food Choices Affecting Your Heart Health?

Many UK adults wonder why, despite eating ‘healthy’, they still feel sluggish, have high cholesterol, or battle blood pressure concerns. What if the culprit is an imbalance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids hidden in your daily diet?

What’s the Science Behind Omega-3 and Omega-6?

These two types of polyunsaturated fats play crucial, but opposite, roles in the body:

• Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) calms inflammation, supports blood vessel health and is protective against cardiovascular disease (NHS: High cholesterol).
• Omega-6 is also essential, but too much—common in many British diets—can tip the scale toward inflammation and heart risk.

How Do You Know If Your Intake Is Balanced?

Common symptoms of imbalance include:

• Poor recovery after exercise
• Increased joint pain and stiffness
• High cholesterol or blood pressure
• Feeling ‘puffy’ or inflamed

Simple Food Swaps for Better Balance

• Eat oily fish regularly (e.g. salmon, mackerel, sardines)
• Use olive oil instead of sunflower/corn/vegetable oil
• Add nuts and seeds (like flaxseed, chia, and walnuts) to your diet
• Limit processed foods and takeaways

Doing this helps support a balanced Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio—key for cardiovascular health and easing inflammation.

Want Personalised Insights?

The Omega-3 and Omega-6 Home Blood Test Kit from Mayfield Clinic gives you a simple, rapid option to check your blood levels—and offers tailored advice on diet, lifestyle, and supplements based on your actual biochemistry.

If you’d prefer, you can book an in-person test at a Mayfield Clinic location for face-to-face support.

"When it comes to heart health, knowing your true Omega-3 and Omega-6 status can help you build a sustainable, truly effective lifestyle plan."

Take action: Order your Omega-3 and Omega-6 Home Blood Test Kit or book your test today.