What range is the n-6 to n-3 PUFA ratio consistently found in analyzed fiddlehead species?
Answer
Between 2 and 6.4
Fiddleheads offer a valuable balance of essential fatty acids, specifically omega-6 (n-6) and omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which the body cannot synthesize. A healthy dietary target for the n-6 to n-3 ratio is ideally 4:1 or lower to support beneficial EPA synthesis. Various fiddlehead species analyzed demonstrated an n-6/n-3 ratio that consistently fell within the range of 2 to 6.4. This range represents a significantly more desirable balance when contrasted with the average ratio found in reference vegetables tested, which was reported at 0.36, indicating that fiddleheads provide a unique advantage in essential fat intake, particularly for those avoiding fish products.
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