Why are Essential Fatty Acids so Important?

Why are Essential Fatty Acids so Important?
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's) are considered the building
blocks of the membranes for every cell in our body. The
term essential means that our bodies do not produce these
acids; therefore we must consume them in the foods we eat.

So far, there are twenty different fatty acids that our
body's need. Surprisingly they are all made from two basic
acids, Linoleic Acid and Linolenic Acid. Linoleic Acid is
part of the Omega-6 acids and Linolenic Acid is part of the
Omega-3 acids. These two fatty acids are needed by our
bodies to create and maintain the integrity of our cell
membranes, regulate chemical processes that occur in our
cells, 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 their
diet by consuming approximately a tablespoon of
polyunsaturated plant oils per day. Flax seed contain high
levels of lignans and Omega-3 fatty acids. Lignans may
benefit the heart, possess anti-cancer properties and
studies performed on mice found reduced growth in specific
types of tumors. Initial studies suggest that flaxseed
taken in the diet may benefit individuals with certain
types of breast cancer. Flax may also lessen the severity
of diabetes by stabilizing blood-sugar levels. To ensure
freshness and potency, the flax seed oils must be kept from
heat as heat will destroy the nutritional content.

It would be easy if simply consuming Omega-3 and Omega-6
fatty acids would get us the needed nutrition for cell
functions. Unfortunately studies on these important acids
indicate that a proper balance or ratio of Omega-3 to
Omega-6 is needed by our bodies to use them efficiently.
The ratio is five portions of Omega-6 to one portion of
Omega-3. In Western cultures we eat an awful lot of beef,
pork and chicken that we typically cook with some form of
polyunsaturated oil which contains an adequate supply of
Omega-6 but lacks Omega-3. When our diets do NOT consist
of mainly fish and sea vegetables the ratio is adjusted to
1 to 2. That means to maintain proper cell function; we
should be consuming on a daily basis one portion of Omega-6
to two portions of Omega-3.

On a daily basis our consumption of essential fatty acids
should be approximately 3 to 6% of our daily caloric
intake. If you consume 2000 calories per day, then it is
recommended that of that 2000 calories, 60 to 120 calories
should be Essential Fatty Acids. As with all guidelines,
each person must find their optimal caloric intake as well
as the right balance of Essential Fatty Acids.

An easy way to check if you are getting enough EFA's in
your diet is to monitor the dryness of your skin. If your
skin is too dry (watch during the changing of the seasons),
your body may be indicating to you that it needs more
Essential Fatty Acids. If you're getting enough EFA's your
skin should be soft to the touch.

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Ronald Godlewski has successfully founded and run several
businesses and is currently working with Life Force
International. You can obtain more information on the
nutritional value of vitamin supplements at
http://www.pillfreesupplements.com , obtain a quart of a
Vitamin Supplement containing Omega 3, 6 and 9 or call him
toll free at 1-888-LFI-CUST (1-888-534-2878).