Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)

The three-letter word “fat” has caused more trouble in the world than a barrel of hungry monkeys. The mere formation of the proper one-syllable noun on our lips is disturbing, its sound to our ear abrasive and the thought of it repugnant. Dietary fat is condemned like a criminal, and we face the sentencing. We find upon close examination that the terribly uncouth character comes in all shapes and sizes depending on its molecular structure and contrary to popular opinion, most fat (except for the slabs covering our bodies) is very, very good. It has a complex variety of functions, properties and distinctions. It supports us liberally and a moderate consumption of good dietary fat promises us a long and healthy life.

Fat serves to support, protect, shape and cushion the body, internally and externally. It is necessary for the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K, and very low-fat diets disrupt their absorption. The health of the immune system is largely dependent upon fat consumption, moderate fat intake proving more beneficial than low-fat intake.

Our lives depend on fats that our bodies do not produce. These are called essential fatty acids (EFAs) and must be supplied through the diet. Hormone-like compounds called prostaglandins are synthesized from EFAs and control an endless string of crucial, moment-to-moment life functions including blood pressure, blood clotting, nerve impulses, insulin sensitivity and hormone responses. EFAs transport oxygen in a long journey from the lungs to the cells, increase stamina, speed healing, improve the general feeling of well-being, give lustrous health to the skin and hair; they aid in the prevention of arthritis, and lower cholesterol and triglycerides. They are essential for rebuilding and producing new cells. Without them our health is drastically compromised, we degenerate and we die.

Two basic categories of EFAs that you need to know:

First, Omega-3 (w3) includes alpha-linolenic acid (LNA), EPA and DHA, found in meat, fish, fish oil, and certain superunsaturated vegetable oils such as canola, olive and particularly flaxseed oil.

Next, Omega-6 (w6) includes linoleic (LA) and gama-linolenic acids (GLA) found in raw nuts, seeds, legumes, sesame and soybean oil and especially safflower oil. Hemp oil is a first rate source of both Omega 3 and Omega 6 EFAs. More and more research is being done on conjugated linoleic acid, or CLA, a natural derivative of linoleic acid, which is revealing fat reducing, muscle building qualities. The magic bullet?

These oils are sensitive to heat, light and oxygen and extreme care is required in maintaining their wholeness and activity. Though they are available in our diets, as are all essential nutrients, because of their instability and because of their vital importance, I highly recommend that they be added as a supplement. Some people mix the oils in protein drinks or salad dressing. I gulp down a smart blend of flaxseed, safflower and hemp oil twice a day to assure a healthy ratio of all the EFAs available to splendidly direct the show. They come in capsules, kids.

Earmark this page to remind you of the importance of EFAs and the effort you must put forth to gain them in your diet. You see, EFAs ingested in sufficient levels (12 to 15 % of total calorie intake) increase the rate of metabolic reactions in our body, thereby burning more fat into energy and waste… bottom line, fat burning and excess weight loss.

Oh, my.

Fat is, or was designed to be, an efficient fuel for the body. Recently, as we have dramatically altered our existence, the fuel of choice has shifted to sugar, another wrong choice by man. Compelled by greed he has put forth the deception that carbohydrate is needed as the chief source of energy. There are big profits in sugar; it’s cheap and easy to sell.

Thus, modern man has altered his fat metabolism and has become a hyperglycemic sugar burner, consequently ridden with ailments and imbalances. He’s up and down with the glucose fluctuations, hormones jump about like crickets in mid-summer, insulin can’t accommodate his capricious appetites; sugar storage is saturated and the fat is generously deposited. Obesity, heart disease, diabetes and hyper- and hypoglycemia bully our lives.

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