EXPLAINED SIMPLY
Omega 3s
Omega-3 fats support inflammatory signaling, triglyceride metabolism, and overall cardiometabolic health in both men and women. You’ll find them in fatty fish like salmon and anchovies, as well as plant sources such as walnuts, chia seeds, and flax.
You may have heard about the omega-3 to omega-6 ratio. There is no single target that has been shown to independently reduce heart attacks or strokes. In practice, very high omega-6–heavy patterns, common in ultra-processed Western diets, often reflect low omega-3 intake. I generally aim for a rough balance closer to 4:1, but this is not a rigid goal. It’s a practical way to encourage regular omega-3 intake without avoiding healthy omega-6 fats.
What matters most is adequate omega-3 exposure, not chasing a specific number. Focusing on omega-3–rich foods and minimizing ultra-processed foods usually shifts the balance in a favorable direction.
For women with PCOS, I pay closer attention to omega-3 status as metabolic and cardiovascular risk evolves over time. In some cases, a blood test can help us understand omega-3 exposure in context, alongside triglycerides and insulin resistance.
Adding omega-3–rich foods consistently is a simple, evidence-aligned step that supports long-term metabolic health.