It's the Omega 13 - atom rearranger that will transform your body (and the universe), reversing damage done from years of poor dieting. Ok, that's the Omega 13 from Galaxy Quest, just watched it, and it is quite funny. But for real, there are Omega 3's that are good and needed by the body for certain things. First, why do we need Omega's - and we do need both 3 and 6?  (Also, omega comes from where the double bond exists on the chain, boring stuff but there it is nonetheless).

These are essential nutrients that can only be obtained from food. This is important in a Medifast meal and diet plan, or any diet. EFAs are important. There are many benefits and as listed on Wikipedia are as follows.

People with certain circulatory problems, such as varicose veins, benefit from fish oil. Fish oil stimulates blood circulation, increases the breakdown of fibrin, a compound involved in clot and scar formation, and additionally has been shown to reduce blood pressure. There is strong scientific evidence that n−3 fatty acids significantly reduce blood triglyceride levels and regular intake reduces the risk of secondary and primary heart attack.

There is a promising preliminary evidence that n-3 fatty acids supplementation might be helpful in cases of depression and anxiety. Studies report highly significant improvement from n-3 fatty acids supplementation alone and in conjunction with medication. Some benefits have been reported in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and cardiac arrhythmias.

Some research suggests that fish oil intake may reduce the risk of ischemic and thrombotic stroke. However, very large amounts may actually increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Lower amounts are not related to this risk, and many studies used substantially higher doses without major side effects. (Check out good sources of these EFA's on Wikipedia).

Here's more from Cooking Light --Marine sources of omega-3s are rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the two most frequently studied forms and those that have been most strongly linked to potential health benefits. Plant sources contain higher levels of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).

Your body absorbs and uses each type of omega-3 in different measures. Most potential health benefits are attributes to EPA and DHA, which are readily absorbed and put to use. Enzymes in your liver convert plant-sourced ALA to EPA, but this process is innefficient. "When you eat plant sources of omega-3, only about five percent is converted to EPA, says Penny Kris-Etherton, PhD, professor of nutrition at Pennsylvania State University. For this reason, many scientific studies use fish and fish oil, which both contain fats composed mostly of EPA and DHA, interchangeably. Use the chart below to monitor your own consumption of omega-3 fatty acids: (reference)

Fish Sources:

1. Atlantic Salmon
2. Pacific herring
3. Sardines
4. Pink Salmon
5. Halibut
6. Oysters

Some Plant sources

1. Walnuts
2. Canola oil
3. Walnut Oil
4. Flaxseeds

Bottom line: Essential Fatty Acids like Omega 3s and Omega 6s are the GOOD fats. Like most things, too many may not be good, but they are still ESSENTIAL (meaning you have to get them from food!) to the health and wellness of your body. Don't forget your fruits and vegetables, too! A balanced diet with proper nutrition is where you need to put your emphasis.

The Health & Wellness Institute

Medifast meal plan: Medifast