So what are essential fatty acids? These are the "good fats" that cannot
be produced by the body so they must be supplied by the diet. Essential
fatty acids are necessary for hundreds of
bodily processes. They support the cardiovascular, reproductive, immune and
nervous systems. They also help burn more body fat. That's right - these
fats can actually help you burn more fat! Ironic, isn't it? There are
two types of essential fatty acids, Omega 3
and Omega 6. There is third "semi"
essential fatty acid, Omega 9. It's
considered semi essential because the body can produce its own provided
there is enough Omega 3 and Omega 6 present in the body.
You can get essential fatty acids from a variety of food sources but the
sources that contain the most come from oils. Read my
recommendations on the best essential fatty
acid supplements to find out which oils have the most Omega 3 and Omega
6.
Udo Erasmus, Ph.D., the world expert
on oils in nutrition, introduced the importance of these essential fatty acids starting in the mid-1980's. Much of the information we
know about the benefits of essential fatty acids are because of him. His
groundbreaking book, Fats that Heal Fats that Kill, is the industry's bible on
fats. Udo highlights the following health functions of getting the proper
amounts of essential fatty acids:
Improves Energy Production & Mental Stamina
Athletes can exercise longer before reaching exhaustion, recover more quickly
from fatigue, can exercise more often without over-training, heal quicker from
injuries, build muscle faster and have less joint pain. Energy improvement is
also seen in non-athletes and older people.
Weight Management
Essential fatty acids help reduce fat production in the body. They also increase
fat burning and heat production in the body, and shift the body from burning
glucose to burning fats. Saturated, monounsaturated, and trans- fatty acids do
not help to manage weight. Sugar triggers increased fat production in the body.
Starch can also lead to overweight.
Improves Brain Function
Benefits include elevated mood, lifted depression, increased calmness, better
handling of stress, less hyperactivity, better focus, better mental processing,
faster learning, increased intelligence, better concentration, and improved
motor coordination. Among the mentally ill, EFAs can decrease hallucinations in
schizophrenics, elevate mood, lift depression, improve symptoms in bipolar and
obsessive-compulsive disorder, and improve brain function in Alzheimer's disease
and autism.
Skin, Hair, and Nails
Essential fatty acids are required for healthy skin and hair, and are required
for normal nail growth. They moisturize skin and prevent dryness.
Cardiovascular Disease
Essential fatty acids can decrease most cardiovascular disease risk factors
including high triglycerides (blood fats, trigliceridos), blood pressure, platelet stickiness,
fibrinogen, and lipoprotein(a). They also keep the inside of our arteries smooth
and keep the heart beat regular.
Improves Response to Stress
People report feeling calmer, getting stressed less easily, dealing with
stressful situations more calmly, and losing their temper less often.
Improves Hormone Functions
Hormone levels may decrease, yet the effects of hormones remain normal.
Essential fatty acids thereby ease the work load of glands.
Autoimmune Conditions
Essential fatty acids dampen the over-response of the immune system in
autoimmune conditions.
Reproduction
Essential fatty acids are required for sperm formation, the female cycle, and
pregnancy.
Organs
Essential fatty acids are required for liver and kidney function.
Diabetes
Essential fatty acids are required for insulin function.
Improves Bone Mineral Retention
Inhibits the development of osteoporosis.
Improves Sleep in Some People
Reduces Symptoms of Allergies
Speeds the Healing of Injuries
Reduces Inflammation
Lowers Cancer Risk
Improves Digestion
Omega 3 Fatty Acid - Why we need more in our
diet, health benefits of, and natural food sources
Omega 6 Fatty Acid - Why we need less in our diet,
health benefits of, and natural food sources
Omega 9 Fatty Acid - The health benefits of and natural food sources
Essential Fatty Acid Supplements
- A review of the two best essential fatty acid supplements you should be taking