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!



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~Crystal

 

 

 

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