Why are Essential Fatty Acids so Important?
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's) are considered the buildingblocks of the membranes for every cell in our body. Theterm essential means that our bodies do not produce theseacids; therefore we must consume them in the foods we eat.
So far, there are twenty different fatty acids that ourbody's need. Surprisingly they are all made from two basicacids, Linoleic Acid and Linolenic Acid. Linoleic Acid ispart of the Omega-6 acids and Linolenic Acid is part of theOmega-3 acids. These two fatty acids are needed by ourbodies to create and maintain the integrity of our cellmembranes, regulate chemical processes that occur in ourcells, and to maintain proper kidney functions.
The word linoleic comes from the Greek word linon (flax). One part of the definition of Oleic means derived from oil.
Most people get plenty of Omega-6 fatty acids in theirdiet by consuming approximately a tablespoon ofpolyunsaturated plant oils per day. Flax seed contain highlevels of lignans and Omega-3 fatty acids. Lignans maybenefit the heart, possess anti-cancer properties andstudies performed on mice found reduced growth in specifictypes of tumors.
Initial studies suggest that flaxseedtaken in the diet may benefit individuals with certaintypes of breast cancer. Flax may also lessen the severityof diabetes by stabilizing blood-sugar levels. To ensurefreshness and potency, the flax seed oils must be kept fromheat as heat will destroy the nutritional content.
It would be easy if simply consuming Omega-3 and Omega-6fatty acids would get us the needed nutrition for cellfunctions.
Unfortunately studies on these important acidsindicate that a proper balance or ratio of Omega-3 toOmega-6 is needed by our bodies to use them efficiently. The ratio is five portions of Omega-6 to one portion ofOmega-3.
In Western cultures we eat an awful lot of beef,pork and chicken that we typically cook with some form ofpolyunsaturated oil which contains an adequate supply ofOmega-6 but lacks Omega-3. When our diets do NOT consistof mainly fish and sea vegetables the ratio is adjusted to1 to 2. That means to maintain proper cell function; weshould be consuming on a daily basis one portion of Omega-6to two portions of Omega-3.
On a daily basis our consumption of essential fatty acidsshould be approximately 3 to 6% of our daily caloricintake. If you consume 2000 calories per day, then it isrecommended that of that 2000 calories, 60 to 120 caloriesshould be Essential Fatty Acids. As with all guidelines,each person must find their optimal caloric intake as wellas the right balance of Essential Fatty Acids.
An easy way to check if you are getting enough EFA's inyour diet is to monitor the dryness of your skin. If yourskin is too dry (watch during the changing of the seasons),your body may be indicating to you that it needs moreEssential Fatty Acids. If you're getting enough EFA's yourskin should be soft to the touch.
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Ronald Godlewski has successfully founded and run severalbusinesses and is currently working with Life ForceInternational. You can obtain more information on thenutritional value of vitamin supplements athttp://www.PillFreeSupplements.com , obtain a quart of aVitamin Supplement containing Omega 3, 6 and 9 or call himtoll free at 1-888-LFI-CUST (1-888-534-2878).
So far, there are twenty different fatty acids that ourbody's need. Surprisingly they are all made from two basicacids, Linoleic Acid and Linolenic Acid. Linoleic Acid ispart of the Omega-6 acids and Linolenic Acid is part of theOmega-3 acids. These two fatty acids are needed by ourbodies to create and maintain the integrity of our cellmembranes, regulate chemical processes that occur in ourcells, and to maintain proper kidney functions.
The word linoleic comes from the Greek word linon (flax). One part of the definition of Oleic means derived from oil.
Most people get plenty of Omega-6 fatty acids in theirdiet by consuming approximately a tablespoon ofpolyunsaturated plant oils per day. Flax seed contain highlevels of lignans and Omega-3 fatty acids. Lignans maybenefit the heart, possess anti-cancer properties andstudies performed on mice found reduced growth in specifictypes of tumors.
Initial studies suggest that flaxseedtaken in the diet may benefit individuals with certaintypes of breast cancer. Flax may also lessen the severityof diabetes by stabilizing blood-sugar levels. To ensurefreshness and potency, the flax seed oils must be kept fromheat as heat will destroy the nutritional content.
It would be easy if simply consuming Omega-3 and Omega-6fatty acids would get us the needed nutrition for cellfunctions.
Unfortunately studies on these important acidsindicate that a proper balance or ratio of Omega-3 toOmega-6 is needed by our bodies to use them efficiently. The ratio is five portions of Omega-6 to one portion ofOmega-3.
In Western cultures we eat an awful lot of beef,pork and chicken that we typically cook with some form ofpolyunsaturated oil which contains an adequate supply ofOmega-6 but lacks Omega-3. When our diets do NOT consistof mainly fish and sea vegetables the ratio is adjusted to1 to 2. That means to maintain proper cell function; weshould be consuming on a daily basis one portion of Omega-6to two portions of Omega-3.
On a daily basis our consumption of essential fatty acidsshould be approximately 3 to 6% of our daily caloricintake. If you consume 2000 calories per day, then it isrecommended that of that 2000 calories, 60 to 120 caloriesshould be Essential Fatty Acids. As with all guidelines,each person must find their optimal caloric intake as wellas the right balance of Essential Fatty Acids.
An easy way to check if you are getting enough EFA's inyour diet is to monitor the dryness of your skin. If yourskin is too dry (watch during the changing of the seasons),your body may be indicating to you that it needs moreEssential Fatty Acids. If you're getting enough EFA's yourskin should be soft to the touch.
----------------------------------------------------
Ronald Godlewski has successfully founded and run severalbusinesses and is currently working with Life ForceInternational. You can obtain more information on thenutritional value of vitamin supplements athttp://www.PillFreeSupplements.com , obtain a quart of aVitamin Supplement containing Omega 3, 6 and 9 or call himtoll free at 1-888-LFI-CUST (1-888-534-2878).
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