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ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS (EFA)
An Explanation Of These "Must-Have" Nutrients
Essential Fatty
Acids (EFA's) are fats required by the body that
must be supplied by diet because the body cannot manufacture them,
hence the term “essential.” These fats are the raw material for
the production of prostaglandins (local-acting, hormone-like
substances) in the body.
Some fats eventually become inflammatory
prostaglandins. These inflammatory prostaglandins contribute to
generalized inflammation and blood platelet “stickiness.”
Inflammatory prostaglandins play an important role in the
development of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, hardening of
the arteries (atherosclerosis), stroke, heart disease and cancer.
They may also contribute to pain and generalized inflammation.
In contrast, other fats become anti-inflammatory
prostaglandins. This type of prostaglandin relieves painful
inflammation, improves blood flow, and reduces the risk
of heart disease, stroke, cancer and autoimmune disease.
Omega-6 fatty acids produce inflammatory prostaglandins
almost exclusively. Many vegetable oils are
Omega-6 oils.
The typical American diet is much higher in inflammatory fats
than anti-inflammatory fats.
Glossary of Fats
Omega-3 Oils are derived
primarily from
fish
oil and
flax seeds. These
essential fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and have a
positive effect on cardiovascular disease, including high
cholesterol and high blood pressure, allergic and inflammatory
conditions (including psoriasis and eczema), autoimmune diseases,
cancer, neurological disease, menopause, general health
enhancement. Supplementation with
Omega-3
Essential Fatty Acids can help
“tip the scales” in favor of anti-inflammation.
Omega-6 Oils are found in evening primrose, black current,
borage and a number of vegetable oils. Although supplementation is
popular, these oils are necessary only in very small amounts.
Excess Omega-6 oils increase arachadonic acid levels (an
inflammatory substance). Only diabetics usually need to
supplement very small doses of these oils. (Less than 500mg/day).
Omega-9 Oils are found in olive and canola oils. These oils
are neutral, producing neither inflammation nor
anti-inflammation. Extra virgin olive oil is a good choice
for salad dressings & stir-frying food because it is expressed
mechanically, without the use of chemicals.
Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acid
Deficiency is a common problem in the average American diet, and
supplementation with Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids is almost
always indicated. Find the best dietary sources of
Essential Fatty Acids here.
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*
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