Final answer:
The typical North American diet contains a higher amount of omega-6 fatty acids due to ingestion of corn and soybean oils, while omega-3 fatty acids are less common and require particular dietary sources like oily fish or flax seeds.
Step-by-step explanation:
The typical diet in North America contains significantly more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids. This predominance is due to the high consumption of corn and soybean oils, which are rich sources of omega-6s. On the other hand, omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential and must be obtained through the diet, are less prevalent. Good sources of omega-3s include oily fish, walnuts, and flax seeds. While omega-6s are important for health, an imbalance with higher omega-6 than omega-3 intake can contribute to inflammation and is associated with various chronic diseases. Therefore, it is recommended to strive for a better balance of these essential fatty acids in the diet.