What are Essential Fatty Acids?

Essential Fatty Acids are necessary fats that the human body cannot synthesize, and thus must be consumed from what we eat. There are two types of essential fatty acids (EFA): omega 3 and omega 6. EFAs support the health of multiple systems, including cardiovascular, immune, and nervous systems. The body utilizes EFAs to repair and make cell membranes, regulate heart rate and blood pressure, assist in fertility and conception, and help fight infections.

Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency

EFA deficiency is common in the United States, due to our nutrionally poor, overly processed, pesticide treated diet.  The ideal ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 is between 1:1 and 4:1, however, due to our poor diets, most Americans have ratios between 10:1 and 25:1. 

Omega 3 deficiencies are linked to decreased memory and mental abilities, poor vision, hypertension, bad cholesterol ratios, menopausal discomfort, and diminished immune function, among other things.

Many of these diseases, when managed by an integral practitioner, are successfully treated by correction of EFA ratios and deficiency.

Correct Your EFA Deficiency

One option to increase the amount of EFAs in your diet is to make sure you consume raw foods that are high in EFAs, or supplement with flaxseed oil, since flaxseed oil has the highest EFA content of any food, especially linolenic acid.  Furthermore, flaxseed oil contains the correct ratio of EFAs.  Remember – the ratio of EFAs is as important as the deficiency.  One tablespoon per day of organic flaxseed oil can supply most of your EFA needs. 

Omega 3 is found in flaxseed oil and meal, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, avocados, fish oil, and some dark leafy green vegetables.  Omega 6 is also found in flaxseed oil, sunflower seeds, pine nuts, olive oil, and chicken.  However, please note that high heat, light, and oxygen destroy EFAs. 

Fish oil is a good source of EFA, but it is important to note that the fish oil has the correct balance of omega 6 to omega 3, be pharmaceutical grade, and be from a deep water source to minimize mercury contamination.