10 Omega-6 Foods to Add to Your Diet

Medically Reviewed on 8/4/2022
10 Omega-6 Foods to Add to Your Diet
Here are 10 omega-6 foods to add to your diet

Omega-6 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that can be found in foods such as vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds. 

Although omega-6 fatty acids are needed for your body to function properly, it is important to consume them in moderation and obtain them from nutritious sources.

Here are 10 omega-6 foods to add to your diet.

10 healthy foods rich in omega-6 fatty acids

1. Safflower oil

Safflower oil is high in monounsaturated fat, which is a heart-healthy fat.

Table 1. Omega-6 content in safflower oil
Omega-6 per tablespoon Omega 6 per 100 grams Omega 6 per 200 calories
10,149 mg (60% of the adequate intake [AI]) 74,623 mg (439% of the AI) 16,883 mg (99% of the AI)

2. Walnuts

Walnuts contain omega-3s as well and help maintain a balance of fatty acids in the body.

Table 2. Omega-6 content in walnuts
Omega-6 per ounce Omega 6 per 100 grams Omega 6 per 200 calories
10,818 mg (64% of the AI) 38,093 mg (224% of the AI) 11,649 mg (69% of the AI)

3. Sunflower seeds

Apart from omega-6, sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E, magnesium, and protein.

Table 3. Omega-6 content in sunflower seeds
Omega-6 per cup Omega 6 per ounce Omega 6 per 100 grams
41,961 mg (247% of the AI) 9,310 mg (55% of the AI) 32,782 mg (193% of the AI)

4. Almonds

Almonds are an excellent source of omega-6 as well as fiber and protein. However, be mindful of how much you eat because excess consumption can lead to weight gain.

Table 4. Omega-6 content in almonds
Omega-6 per cup Omega 6 per ounce Omega 6 per 100 grams
41,961 mg (247% of the AI) 9,310 mg (55% of the AI) 32,782 mg (193% of the AI)

5. Cashews

Table 5. Omega-6 content in cashews
Omega-6 per cup Omega 6 per 100 grams Omega 6 per 200 calories
11,068 mg (65% of the AI) 8,514 mg (50% of the AI) 2,921 mg (17% of the AI)

Cashews are also rich in:

  • Copper
  • Magnesium
  • Phosphorus

6. Firm tofu

Table 6. Omega-6 content in firm tofu
Omega-6 per cup Omega-6 per 100 grams Omega-6 per 200 calories
10,934 mg (64% of the AI) 4,339 mg (26% of the AI) 6,026 mg (35% of the AI)

Other nutrients present in firm tofu include:

  • Iron
  • Calcium
  • Phosphorous
  • Protein

7. Peanut butter

Table 7. Omega-6 content in peanut butter
Omega-6 per cup Omega-6 per 100 grams Omega-6 per 200 calories
3,931 mg (23% of the AI) 12,284 mg (72% of the AI) 4,108 mg (24% of the AI)

Other nutrients present in peanut butter include:

  • Niacin
  • Manganese
  • Vitamin E
  • Magnesium

8. Chicken thigh

Table 8. Omega-6 content in chicken thigh
Omega-6 per cup Omega-6 per 100 grams Omega-6 per 200 calories
3,792 mg (22% of the AI) 2,768 mg (16% of the AI) 2,386 mg (14% of the AI)

Other nutrients include:

  • Protein
  • Phosphorous
  • Iron

9. Eggs

Table 9. Omega-6 content in eggs
Omega-6 per cup Omega-6 per 100 grams Omega-6 per 200 calories
816 mg (5% of the AI) 3,966 mg (23% of the AI) 2,283 mg (13% of the AI)

Egg yolks have more omega-6 fatty acids than egg whites. Eggs are also rich in the following nutrients:

10. Avocado

Table 10. Omega-6 content in avocado
Omega-6 per cup Omega-6 per 100 grams Omega-6 per 200 calories
2,534 mg (15% of the AI) 2,111 mg (12% of the AI) 1,689 mg (10% of the AI)

Avocado also contains nutrients such as:

  • Potassium
  • Copper
  • Fiber

QUESTION

According to the USDA, there is no difference between a “portion” and a “serving.” See Answer

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Medically Reviewed on 8/4/2022
References
Image Source: iStock image

Healthy Foods High in Omega-6.https://www.webmd.com/diet/foods-high-in-omega-6#1