Your Nutritional and Vitamin Supplement Information Resource

posted by Ronald on Nov 14

Essential Fatty Acids, abbreviated EFA’s, are considered the building blocks of our cells.  EFA’s are used by every cell in our body to create and maintain the cell walls (membranes).  The term ‘essential’ means that our bodies do not produce these acids and therefore we must consume them in the foods we eat.  So how do we get them into our bodies?

Even though there are more than 20 essential fatty acids, we only need to consume two to get them all - Omega-3 and Omega-6.  Now we do need to consume them in the proper ratios for our bodies to use them most efficiently.  In a diet high in fish and sea vegetables (as our friends in the Eastern cultures enjoy) the ratio would be five parts Omega 6 to one part Omega 3.  Here in the West where we cook with polyunsaturated fats (oil) on a daily basis, we get plenty of the Omega 6 but not near enough Omega 3.  The solution is to change the ratio to one part Omega 6 and two parts Omega 3. 

The benefits from consuming Omega 3 and Omega 6 in the proper ratios have been impressive.  Especially when you consider that these acids are typcially consumed in the form of an oil (like flax seed oil for Omega 3).  Studies have shown that Omega 3 may benefit the heart and possess anti-cancer properties.  Some of these studies have shown reductions in the size of tumors and the reduction in the severity of diabetes by stabilizing blood sugar levels. 

A good source of a properly balanced Omega 3 and Omega 6 is probably best obtained from a supplement.  Some of the liquid calcium supplements contain Omega 3, 6 and 9 in the proper ratios.  Look for those that require refrigeration and are cold processed.  The essential fatty acids do not like heat and any type of heating destroys their nutritional content.  Also look for a source that maintains consistent purity of the flax seed oil.  Variations in potency can vary greatly if the manufacturing process is not tightly controlled. 

You can read a full article on the Importance of Fatty Acids and read a data sheet on a liquid calcium supplement that provides the Essential Fatty Acids in the proper ratios.  What are your thoughts on the why essential fatty acids are so important?