The omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain and other bodily functions. Unfortunately, our diet often consists of too much omega-6 compared to omega-3. Though our ancestors evolved on about equal amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 fats, Americans today get 10 to 25 times more omega-6s than omega-3s. The balance is important. Add more omega-3 and replace oils with the highest omega-6 content.