Do You Know About Essential Fatty Acids?

Fatty Acids are building blocks that aid in composing fats and oils in the body. These fatty acids are commonly known as essential fatty acids because as opposed to popular belief, the body needs fats to function properly.

Every cell living in the body needs EFAs to help rebuild and create new cells. They are also used in the body to help with the productions of prostaglandins, which is a hormone-like substance that acts in a chemical manner to send messengers and regulators to various functions of the body. Cell function depends on a balanced intake of EFAs.

Because these EFAs cannot be made by the body, we must supplement them into our diet. The easiest and most effective way to ensure you get enough fatty acids is with supplements, though you can also get EFAs from food sources.

There are two most common categories of EFAs: omega-3 and omega-6. Omega-6 EFAs, including linoleic and gamma-linolenic acids, can be most commonly found in raw nuts, seeds and legumes. They can also be primarily found in vegetable oils like borage, grape seed, primrose, sesame and soybean oils. Omega-3 EFAs, including alpha-linolenic and eicosapentaenoic (EPA), can be found in deepwater fish, fish oil and flaxseed and walnut oils. 

Studies show In order for these oils to be beneficial, they must be in a pure liquid or supplement form and not heated. Heating the oil destroys the EFAs and can result in creation of harmful free radicals. Also, if these oils are hydrogenated, the linoleic acid is converted into a trans-fatty acid, which is not beneficial to the body.

EFAs have many beneficial effects on many various disorders. They can help improve hair and skin with disorders like eczema and psoriasis. They also have the potential to reduce blood pressure and the risk of blood clot formations. Studies show that EFAs can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as benefiting cardiovascular disease.

 

EFAs are also aid in the transmission of nerve impulses and in normal development in the brain. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is specifically very beneficial to brain for its support of brain function, memory, and mood. This makes it the perfect supplement for any child or infant to help their growing, healthy brain develop. A deficiency in EFAs can impair the ability to learn and recall information.

There are two very beneficial fatty acids in omega-3; eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). As well as one in the omega-6; gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). There are specific benefits that come from these fatty acids. And they are very helpful and effective on various disorders.

 



Benefits of Essential Fatty Acids

EPA supports healthy heart & body by:
*Maintaining heart and circulatory systems
*Enhances joint flexibility and movement
*Supporting immune function
*Supports optimal metabolism and body comporition
*Balances blood sugar levels
*Supports natural anti-Inflammatory responses

DHA supports healthy mood, mind & memory:
*Supporting learning and memory
*Promotes positive mood and well being
*Supports/protects the brain, eyes and nervous and immune systems
*Essential for proper development in infants and children

GLA supports healthy skin, hair and hormones by:
*Nourishing hair and skin
*Supporting healthy joints
*Enhancing hormonal balance
*Maintains optimal body fat metabolism
*Provides a 'feel good' effect and can improve mood
*Supporting a regular menstrual cycles


Essential Fatty Acids are a great addition to one’s diet, young or old and are especially beneficial for anyone with skin, eye, inflammatory and learning disorders as well as so many others.

It is recommended that 10-20 percent of your calorie intake should be essential fats. The best sources of EFAs are fish oils and flax seed and flax seed oils.

Barlean's Omega Swirls (available in various flavors), Nordic Naturals Fish Oils, Natural Factors Omegas and Carlson Labs' Finest Fish Oils are among some of the finest, high quality EFA supplements that we stock here for you at HealthStyles Market.

Stop by HealthStyles Market today to check out the many Essential Fatty Acids options and get the best one for you!



Be sure to check us out and like us on Facebook!

 

~Crystal

 

 

 

Sources: “Prescription for Nutritional Healing” by James F Balch & Phyllis A Balch; Nordic Naturals http;//www.nordicnaturals.com

 

 

 

 

Does Your Child Have ADD/ADHD?

Does Your Child Have ADD/ADHD?

"Today, 1 in 5 children suffer from varying degrees
of behavioral issues..."
-Skye Weintraub, N.D. "Natural Treatments for ADD & Hyperactivity"

We Sell Solutions!

 

 

In today’s world, behavioral issues are rising at a rapid rate. Studies show that 1 in every 5 children are diagnosed with behavior disorders such as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

Two of the most common causes of these behavioral disorders have been shown to be deficiency in EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids) and over consumption of sugars.

Your body uses fat to make cell membranes and protect nerves. This enables the electrical signals in the brain to properly reach its destination and function properly. Not having enough EFAs in your diet can cause this to be out of balance.

Getting an efficient amount of EFAs with plenty of DHA, has been shown to help support the brain and nervous system by boosting mood and enhancing memory, brain function and attentiveness.

Using a children’s omega vitamin is the simplest way to ensure that your child is getting the nutrition they need to support their healthy, growing brain! You can do that with the great tasting brands like: Irwin Natural’s Irwin Kids Omega-3 chewable, Nordic Naturals’ Children’s DHA in chewable or liquid, and Carlson’s Labs Carlson for Kids Chewable DHA!

All kinds of sugar, natural or refined, take an extra effort to be processed and digested in the body. Because of this, excessive sugar intake depletes the body of essential B vitamins as wells as important minerals such as calcium and magnesium. B vitamins are very crucial to the nervous system, and when these vitamins are used up to help process sugar intake, it leaves the nerves weak and vulnerable, resulting in short tempers and mood swings. Sugar also leaches calcium and magnesium from the bones, leaving them weak and depriving your body of natural relaxants.

You can combat this problem with limiting sugar intake in your children’s diet as well as supplementing them with multi-vitamins and multi-minerals. Studies show that supplying your child with efficient amounts of essential vitamins and minerals can help aid in the support of brain, bone and immune development. You can achieve this with great children’s products like Irwin Natural’s Irwin Kids Berrylicious Super Multi chews and Liquid Health’s Children’s Multi in liquid. These are great tasting products that your children will love!

10 Signs Your Child May Have ADD/ADHD

1. Restlessness
2. Short Attention Span
3. Irritability
4. Mood Swings
5. Possible Panic Attacks
6. "Short Fused" or Quick to Lose Temper
7. Easily Bored
8. Difficulty Remembering
9. Talks Excessively
10. Loses or Misplaces Things Easily

Also available to help any school aged child struggling with ADD or ADHD are vitamin and herb combinations aimed at helping to support the brain and nervous system by helping calmness and concentration. Products like Liquid Health’s Attention, Planetary Herbals’ Calm Child and Enzymatic Therapy’s Sea Buddies Sugar Free Concentrate are the perfect addition to any multivitamin and diet regimen for your child.

GIVE YOUR CHILD THE NUTRITIONAL ADVANTAGE THIS SCHOOL YEAR!

Come visit us at HealthStyles Market to see what we have to offer today!

 

~Crystal

Sources: Dr. Robert DeMaria’s “Dr. Bob’s Guide to Stop ADHD in 18 Days”; Skye Weintraub N.D. “Natural Treatments for ADD and Hyperactivit”