Nut and seed omega ratios

#1

I have a question regarding the omega ratios in nuts.

Walnuts have a ton of omega 6 but they are often praised for having the best ratio because they contain a lot of omega 3 as well. However if we don’t convert ALA into omega 3 well, wouldn’t it be better to stick with a nut like pecans which are lower in omega 6, even if they don’t have as much omega 3?

I noticed from online data peanuts surprising have less omega 6 in 2 tablespoons compared to 1/4 cup pecans. This surprised me.

Do omega ratios really matter all that much if we are eating whole raw nuts and not processed oils?

Another question - sunflower seeds are very high in omega 6 but they are loaded with vitamins and folate and tryptophan. Do you think it is bad to eat them? I feel like my body is asking for tryptophan right now.

#2

IMO, no. I think many severely overplay the 3 vs 6 hand.

You get it with all complete protein sources.

(You've tried everything else; why not try bacon?) #3

The ratio is supposed to matter because the same cell receptors handle both, so they compete to be absorbed. For that reason, the ratio is supposed to be one to one. Unless you’re experiencing symptoms of ω-3 deficiency, you are probably all right.

The other issue is that excessive ω-6 consumption is supposed to cause systemic inflammation. The quantities of ω-3 and ω-6 needed are small.

Also, Dr. Phinney says that when people complain to him, “Oh, all that fat makes me queasy,” it always turns out that they are using a great deal of seed oils. He says that butter, tallow, and lard, which are mostly saturated and monounsaturated fats, do not cause this effect

#4

Yeah, I noticed the lard from the steak never made me sick. Butter didn’t up until after 2 tablespoons. Olive oil is tolerable up to a certain point as well.

I was watching Dr Berg’s video on nuts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzyKk76rP30

He says you can eat 1/4 cup nuts per meal. Isn’t that a lot of nuts per day if you eat 2-3 meals ?
He also talks about inflammation from omega 6 in other videos, it seems kind of contradictory. In another video he says seeds are even more nutritious than nuts, yet many seeds have even higher omega 6.

(You've tried everything else; why not try bacon?) #5

The problem with nuts in the keto world is simply their carb content. If your goal is to eat in a way that minimises your insulin level, which is is key to a well-formulated ketogenic diet, then too much carbohydrate is counter-productive.

I’m not sure how much of a value Dr. Berg places on keeping insulin low. My understanding is that he has other concerns that are more in line with mainstream thinking.