Guide To Essential Fatty Acids

For Optimal Health

Essential fatty acids are the fats we need for our bodies to function well. They must be obtained in the diet or through supplements, as, broadly speaking, the body cannot make them on its own.

There are two types of essential fatty acids - omega 3 and omega 6. They are classified differently because of their differing chemical structure. They also have quite different effects on the body.

We tend to get enough of the omega 6 fatty acids in our diet. In fact, we probably get too much! Scientists have estimated that in a Western style diet, we get about 14 to 20 times as much omega 6 fatty acids as omega 3's. In fact, we should be aiming for about 5 to 10 times as much of the omega 6's compared to the omega 3's.

Thus the ratio of omega 6: omega 3 fatty acids should be 5:1 to 10:1.

We are actually consuming about 14:1 to 20:1.

And some researchers believe we should be consuming a ratio of omega 6 fatty acids to omega 3 fatty acids more in the range of 1:1 and 4:1. These researchers believe it is this range that will support optimal health in our bodies.

How Can Essential Fatty Acids Help Me?

These fatty acids are used by every cell in the body. That is why it takes several months of regular supplementation of omega 3 oils to really feel the benefits. When we have been deficient in them over the years, it takes some time to replenish the supply to all our cells.

Here is a brief list of the benefits of essential fatty acids:

good for skin and hair
reduces blood pressure
lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels
reduces the risk of blood clots
good for candidiasis, heart health, eczema, psoriasis
involved in the transmission of nerve impulses
needed for normal development and functioning of the brain (great for 'brain fuzzies'!)
important in learning and recall (if this is a problem as a result of deficiency of them)
involved in the rebuilding and production of new cells
involved in the production of prostaglandins (these are hormone-like substances that are important in health)

Essential fatty acid supplements have been used successfully by many people to improve: