Final answer:
Omega-6 fatty acids are common in the American diet, while omega-3 fatty acids are less common. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include oily fish, walnuts, and flax seeds. It is also important to limit the intake of trans fats.
Step-by-step explanation:
Omega-6 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that must be obtained from food. While most Americans consume enough omega-6 fatty acids due to the common use of corn and soybean oil in processed foods, sources of omega-3 fatty acids are less common in the American diet. Good food sources of omega-3 fatty acids include oily fish like salmon, walnuts, and flax seeds.
It is recommended that North Americans limit their intake of trans fats, which are unsaturated fats that have been hydrogenated. Trans fats can be found in a variety of processed foods and are known to be detrimental to health. It is also beneficial to incorporate unsaturated fats, such as those found in cold-water fish, into the diet as they are thought to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Overall, it is important to have a balanced diet that includes a variety of fats, including omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, while limiting the intake of trans fats.