About Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are the building blocks of fats. There are two types: linoleic (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic (omega-3). They function as essential building blocks in every membrane of every cell in your body, keeping beneficial substances within your cells and harmful ones out. Because our bodies cannot make them, we have to obtain them from vegetable and fish sources, where they are naturally occurring. Flax seed contains high amounts of both essential fatty acids and is a natural, vegetarian source. The oil can be extracted from the seeds to obtain flax seed oil where the omega-3 and omega-6 content is concentrated. Flax oil, therefore, makes an excellent supplement to one's diet to provide a healthy source of these essential fatty acids.

The major functions of EFAs include:

• a ready source of energy
• insulation for your body against heat loss
• prevention of your skin from drying or flaking
• a cushion for your tissues and organs
• production of "prostaglandin" families, hormones necessary for cell to cell biochemical functions such as energy metabolism, cardiovascular and immune system health

Both omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs are necessary in our diet, but must exist in the proper ratio. Today's North American diet is sorely lacking in omega-3 EFAs. Our intake of omega-6 EFAs are much higher but mostly from refined and hydrogenated oils, and these have negative effects. Good quality omega-6 is available in fresh vegetables. The best omega-3 vegetable source is flax seeds. Moreover, the loss of a 1:1 ratio of omega-6:omega-3 EFAs is contrary to the diet of our ancestors when there was little evidence of chronic diseases. North Americans must therefore increase their omega-3 EFAs consumption in order to right this ratio, which has seen it swing dramatically to 20-25:1 in favor of omega-6 EFAs.

Omega-3 intake can be beneficial for the following:

• allergies
• cardiovascular problems
• cholesterol control
• circulatory problems
• eczema
• eyesight problems
• immune deficiencies
• learning difficulties
• nerve problems
• osteo-arthritis
• rheumatoid arthritis
• viral illness
• weight management

Omega-6 intake can be beneficial for the following:

• acne
• allergies
• cardiovascular problems
• dehydration
• dry skin
• fatigue
• food sensitivity
• immune deficiencies
• liver problems
• mood swings
• osteo-arthritis
• pre-menstrual syndrome
• weight management

Look for other articles in our encyclopedia about Essential Fatty Acids.

Source: Omega Nutrition