Essential fatty acids (EFAs) cannot be made by the body and have to be supplied through nutrients. These EFA's are also known as unsaturated fatty acids or polyunsaturated fatty acids. They are often advised to patients from doctors to lower cholesterol levels, blood pressure levels and reduce strokes and heart attacks.
The most essential of all EFAs is linoleic acid. What does this mean? Your daily requirement should be 10 - 20% of your total calorie intake of the day.
Primrose and Black Currant Oil contain very large amounts of linoleic acid. You can find cold deep water fish containing more Omega 3 EFAs than any other source.
Flax seed oil contains large amounts of magnesium, potassium and fiber. It is also a fantastic to provide B Vitamins, protein and zinc. Flax seed oil is Awesome!!!! It is low in saturated fats and calories (you can't beat that!) and it does not contain cholesterol. You can mix the oil with any juice or water. You can also take the flax seed oil by the tablespoon because it has a nutty taste. Some of my patients will add it to their soups, salads, cereal or yogurt. Sometimes you may hear a doctor suggest that 1 tablespoon of flax seed oil should be taken for every 75 pounds. Ask you doctor about this.
Diabetics must consult with the doctors about taking fish oil supplements because it is best that they go right to the source for their fish oils, meaning, eat the fish!
EFAs can help many illnesses and conditions. Arteriolsclerosis, arthritis, blood clotting disorders, blood pressure, breast cancer, candidiasis, cholesterol and triglycerides levels, coronary heart disease, eczema, and psoriasis. EFAs are found in high concentrations in the brain. EFAs assist in nerve transmission and are needed for normal brain function.
May assist in the reduction of weight and it provides the body with a fatty substance that can easily be metabolized. Supports healthy blood cholesterol levels, nervous system, cardiovascular health and circulatory function. Helps to nourish your immune system, skin and hair. Enhances joint function, making movement easier. Supports glandular activity, especially the thyroid and adrenal glands. Aids in blood coagulation and calcium transport to cells.
None known when taken as directed.
None known.
May be taken daily.
Omega-6 fatty acids: almonds, avocado, bee pollen, fruits, garlic, ginger, licorice root, nuts, olive oil, oranges, parsley, peanuts, pecans, root vegetables, seeds, spinach, spirulina, all kinds of sprouts, sunflower seeds, vegetable oil, wheatgerm, wheat, wheatgrass and grains.
Omega-3 fatty acids: these are hard to find in the diet . . . deep-green vegetables and fish oils, flax see, hemp seed, pumpkin seed, canola, soybean, walnuts, wheatgerm, chia, kukui (candlenut)
VITAMIN F - (Essential Fatty Acids) (EFAs)