Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) are the fatty acids that are essential for health but cannot be made by the body. It is essential that they be obtained through the diet. They are occasionally referred to as Vitamin F or Polyunsaturates.
Essential fatty acids improve skin and hair condition, reduce blood pressure, control inflammation and immune response, balance hormones, aid in prevention of arthritis, cancer and diabetes, lower cholesterol and triglycerides, reduce the risk of blood clot formation, and are beneficial for cardiovascular health, myelin sheath development, issues with candida, eczema and psoriasis. They are found in high concentrations in the brain and aid in the transmission of nerve impulses and are therefore beneficial to the IQ and in the ability to learn and recall information.
Nearly every biological function is influenced by the delicate interaction between omega-3 and omega-6. They “self-check” each other and only together can they work to benefit the body! In the past we consumed omega-3 and omega-6 in mostly equal amounts in our diet. In today’s society the processing of oils like corn, peanut, safflower and sunflower has created oils that are high in omega-6 but are lacking in omega-3. Processed foods are also high in omega-6 and lacking in omega-3. This imbalance is unhealthy and can actually cause health problems (especially inflammatory issues). The two best sources of these oils in the most beneficial ratios are flaxseed oil and fish oil.
Heat destroys Essential Fatty Acid’s and if heated can even create dangerous free radicals. If hydrogenated (processed to make the oil more solid as in the making of margarines) the linoleic acid is converted into trans fatty acids, which are not beneficial to the body. In order to obtain the benefits of these oils they must be consumed in pure liquid or supplement form.
Omega-3 EFA: Includes alpha-linolenic acid and eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and are found in fresh deep water fish, walnuts and Brazil nuts, fish oils, flax and flaxseed oil and walnut oil.
Omega-6 EFA: Includes linoleic acid (LA) and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and are found in raw nuts and seeds, legumes and in unsaturated plant oils such as borage, flaxseed, grape seed, primrose, sesame and soybean oil.
Omega 9 Fatty Acid: Include oleic acid found in olive oil. Omega 9 is not considered an essential fatty acid because the body can make Omega 9 from unsaturated fats.
Triglycerides: Is a glycerol molecule. It is found to be too high in some people who form fatty deposits along the walls of their arteries.
Lecithin: A fat like compound that is able to dissolve cholesterol and other fats.
Taken in part from Prescription for Nutritional Healing, by Phyllis A. Balch & James F. Balch, 3rd edition
It is not the intent of this website to give medical advice, diagnose or prescribe. All information given here is for nutritional and educational purposes, to help you make healthy lifestyle choices. All information about food supplements, vitamins and herbs are offered as a guide to general good health.
