Your immune system never clocks off — and the fats you eat play a bigger role in supporting it than you might think. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential building blocks for eicosanoids, the signalling molecules that regulate inflammation and immune cell activity. Discover how these two essential fatty acids work together — and why getting enough of both matters for a resilient immune system.

Not all fats are created equal — and when it comes to heart health, the type of fat you eat matters far more than the total amount. From landmark studies like the Framingham Heart Study to Harvard’s own research, the evidence is clear: polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) — omega-3 and omega-6 — play a vital role in reducing cardiovascular risk. Here’s what the science says.

Every one of your 37 trillion cells is wrapped in a membrane that controls what gets in, what stays out, and how your cells communicate. And the essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 are critical to keeping that membrane fluid and functional. Without them, your cells simply can’t do their job.