What are Polyunsaturated Essential fatty acids, or EFAs?
There are four basic types of fat that the body takes from food: cholesterol, saturated fat, monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated essential fatty acids. The polyunsaturated essential fatty acids are the ones the body uses to build itself.
The essential fatty acids are called 'essential' fatty acids because they are essential to normal cell structure and body function. The body cannot make EFA's for itself nor can it store them, so we need a regular supply in our food.
Essential Fatty Acids are the "good fats." For example, good fats compete with bad fats, so it's important to reduce the intake of trans- fats and cholesterol (animal fat) while consuming enough good fats. Good fats raise your HDL or "good cholesterol". One of the jobs of this High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) or "good cholesterol" is to grab your bad cholesterol, LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein), and escort it to the liver where it is broken down and excreted.
How do they help?
We need them to achieve and maintain a healthy heart; but they are also essential for a healthy brain, for healthy function of other organs, eyes, skin, joints, hair and immune system and other purposes, such as immune response, blood clotting, muscle maintenance, nerves, bodily secretions, hormone system, cell division, healthy heart, oxygen transport, healthy brain, kidney function, healthy joints & skin.
Where are the EFSs found?
There are different groups of polyunsaturated fats. Omega-3 is from fish (and linseed) oils; omega-6 from evening primrose, (borage, sunflower, safflower and others), and omega-9 from olive (and linseed).
EFA deficiency and Omega 6/3 imbalance is linked with serious health conditions. Todays diet already supplies us with a great deal of Omega-6 due to the increased use of polyunsaturated fats and vegetable oils. A supplement with higher levels of Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids will therefore restore the balance.
Omega fatty acids are found naturally in oily fish such as mackerel, salmon, tuna and sardines, as well as linseed and soya oils. Leafy green vegetables also provide a good source of Omega fatty acids as do Omega-3 eggs. Consuming these foods regularly can help to boost your intake of Omega-rich nutrients.
Omega-7 and Omega-9 Fatty Acids
You may occasionally read about Omega-7 or Omega-9 Fatty Acids. Omega-7 and Omega-9 Fatty Acids are not considered Essential Fatty Acids. The body can manufacture these fatty acids, however, Omega 7 is well-known as being rich in natural antioxidants; tocopherols, tocotrienols, carotenoids and plant sterols. Antioxidants inhibit harmful oxidation of fatty acids in cell membranes. Plant sterols may be of benefit to cholesterol metabolism.
Popular Essential Fatty acid Supplements
Some of the essential fatty acid supplements regularly bought at
Elixirhealth.co.uk include:
Cod Liver Oil
Evening Primrose Oil
Flaxseed Oil
Krill Oil
Omega 3 Fish Oil
Omega 7 Seabuckthorn Oil
Starflower Oil
Wheatgerm Oil
View all Essential Fatty Acid products
For more information on
Essential Fatty Acids, please refer to our Ailment Encyclopaedia:
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Important Note:
The information provided on elixirhealth.co.uk is for educational purposes only. This data is not considered complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate. Neither is it intended as a substitute for advice from your GP or other qualified health practitioner. Please read all product packaging carefully before use and remember, if in any doubt at all, seek advice from a professional before taking any dietary, nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement.
