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EFA'S~
BY IPL~
Essential Fatty Acids~
So just what are EFA's and why are they Essential? Fatty acids are the building blocks of fats. Some fatty acids are "essential" because we need them to live, yet we cannot manufacture our own, so we must ingest them through the foods we eat. The word "essential" is used to mean "must be ingested". Other fatty acids are manufactured by the body, thus although we need them, they are not labeled as "essential".
"There are two essential fatty acids - commonly referred to as Omega-3…and Omega-6…- that are indeed essential for life because they are vitally involved in the proper functioning of every cell, tissue and organ in the human body. The Omega-6 EFAs are distributed evenly in most tissues, but Omega-3 EFAs are concentrated in a few tissues including the brain. More specifically, a substance termed …(DHA), converted from Omega-3 EFAs, is the most abundant Omega-3 EFA in the brain. The brain has the greater percentage of fat than any other organ in the body - 20% of the dry weight of the brain makes up EFA. We are, in fact, all 'fat heads'!
The polyunsaturated fatty acids -- chemically speaking, those that are not "saturated" and thus have more than 1 double bond -- are divided into families depending on where their end-most double bond is located. There are two main subtypes of fatty acids: the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The Omega-3's are those with their endmost double bond 3 carbons from their methyl end. The Omega-6's are those with their endmost double bond 6 carbons from their methyl end.
Linoleic acid (an omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3) are the only true "essential" fatty acids, because although a slow process, given enough alpha-linolenic acid, the body can synthesize eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) -- both important fatty acids of the omega-3 family. But, in order to effectively increase the body's stores, they too must be consumed.
What Do Essential Fatty Acids's (EFA's) Do For Me?
~treat Eczema and maintain healthy skin
~maintain healthy heart and arteries
~maintain mood through prostaglandin modulation
~keep cell membranes working properly and efficiently
~treat Diabetic neuropathy
~relieve PMS and cyclical breast pain
Why Do I Need Essential Fatty Acids?
You need them to live. Many people are in a state of chronic low levels of essential fatty acids. EFA's are needed for maintaining proper cell membrane structure--which allows the proper distribution of nutrients throughout your body, they are needed for proper prostaglandin formation and maintenance (please see our 40-30-30 page for more information on this topic), and most notably for the efficient metabolism of cholesterol. It has been repeatedly noted in population studies that people who consume more fish (omega-3's) consistently have a lower incidence of heart disease. Autopsies done on corpses have revealed a direct inverse correlation between the amount of omega-3's present and the healthiness of the heart. Those with low levels of omega-3's showed
greater incidence of coronary heart disease than those with high levels of omega-3's and those with the highest levels of omega-3's had the lowest incidence of coronary heart disease.
Essential Fatty Acids are as essential as vitamins. They are essential because if you do not get enough of them you will become ill in some way; without linoleic acid (an EFA), you will die. Most North Americans get little or none of these EFAs. The body does not manufacture EFA's, you must obtain them through your diet and the great majority of foods do not contain Essential Fatty Acids. It has been shown that body cells deprived of Essential Fatty Acids become cancerous, and it is difficult, if not impossible, to heal from cancer without adequate levels of these essential fats.
EFAs and Vitamins~
"Like vitamins, EFAs are essential to health. Older literature, in fact, refers to them as vitamin F. Vitamins and EFAs are essential because:
~We must have them to live and to be healthy.
~Our bodies cannot make them from other substances.
~We must obtain an adequate supply from external sources—from food or from supplements.
~Deficiency results in gradual deterioration of cells and tissues, and ultimately, in death.
~Increasing the intake to adequate levels reverses the signs brought about by deficiency."
EFAs are Macronutrients~
"While EFAs are like vitamins in their essentiality, they differ in other respects. Vitamins are required in small amounts (mg/day). EFAs are macronutrients, necessary in grams/day."
What Foods Contain EFAs?
Food sources of linoleic acid include seeds, nuts, grains and legumes. Alpha-linoleic acid is found in the green leaves of plants, including phytoplankton and algae, and in some seeds, nuts and legumes (flax, canola, walnuts and soy) as well as in cold water fish. Flax seed above all is the highest best quality concentration of Omega-3 fatty acid.
Am I Not Supposed To Avoid Fat?
You should only avoid trans fatty acids, such as those found in deep fried foods. Fats, whether they started out good or not, are irrevocably changed for the worse when they are heated. EFA's are polyunsaturated; they have carbon bonds that are easily broken and do not result in harm to the body. When EFA's are heated their bonds change and they become trans fatty acids: sticky and harmful fats that are not easily broken down by the body.
How Much Essential Fatty Acids Supplementation Do I Need?
Omega3 Fatty Acids are essential to the body and our bodies cannot make them. And most people do not get nearly enough of them in their diet. Most people consume too much omega-6 relative to the amount of omega-3 that they get. Vegetarians must be particularly careful because it is much easier to get supplies of omega-6 in the vegetarian diet. The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 that should be ingested is around 6:1 for fish-eaters, and 3:1 for vegetarians (because they need to manufacture their own EPA and DHA). Flaxseed oil (or simply flax seeds) is a good choice to boost the intake of omega-3.
Are There Any Side Effects With Essential Fatty Acids?
No!
Can you tell me more about Flax seed?
Flax, an ancient but little known seed, has recently gained worldwide recognition for its many nutritional attributes. Seven years ago, researchers from The University of Toronto began to study the potential benefits of flax. Their results showed that flax seed could lower serum cholesterol and also prevent the growth of new cancer cells. The prediction is: flax will likely be found in many new foods in the near future. In Dr. Andrew Weil's new book "Eight Weeks to Optimum Health" flax seeds are the first things that he suggests that anyone interested in eating healthier do. He recommends whole flax seeds ground into cereal or sprinkled on foods, but they are also available in capsule form or in flax seed oil. The FDA presented their findings at a recent convention on Experimental Biology and related the following findings: Levels of 1.25 and 2.5% flax in the diet stimulated the immune system. flax increased vitamin D levels and increased the retention of calcium, magnesium and phosphate. flax is very high in lignans which have anti-tumor properties and may be linked to a low incidence of breast cancer and colon cancer. Moderately high levels of flax, compared to the same level of oat bran was better in lowering triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL, and favorable effects on insulin activity. flax seeds are very reasonable priced and seem to be a valuable addition to the daily diet.
What are some of the other beneficial uses Of Flax Seed Oil~
In this day and age of fat phobia and the resultant barrage of low fat and non-fat food products lining the grocery store aisles, a recommendation to supplement your daily diet with one to two tablespoons of essential fatty acid rich flax or borage seed oil would appear to go against what you are being told. To the contrary, this is exactly what health conscious consumers are doing across the country, not only to attain and maintain health. The fatty acids have been scientifically validated to not only benefit optimal health, but in many instances, serve as a treatment for the over 60 health ailments.
It is true Americans should not consume more than 20-30% of daily calories as fats, a lack of the dietary essential fatty acids has been suggested to facilitate degenerative disease. Surveys indicate that at least 80% of our population is deficient in the essential fatty acids, this may present a serious health threat. Unfortunately, mass commercial refinement of fats and oils products and foods containing them has effectively eliminated the essential fatty acids from our food chain, contributing to our modern day deficiency.
Flax seed oil is considered by many to be the answer to this health dilemma. Oil extracted from flax seed is unique because it contains both essential fatty acids: alpha-linolenic, an omega-3 fatty acid, and linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, in appreciable amounts. Flax seed oil is the world's richest source of omega-3 fatty acids at a whopping 57% (over two times the amount of omega-3 fatty acids as fish oils). Omega-3 fatty acids have been extensively studied for their beneficial effects toward:
+ Arthritis
+ Cancer
+ High cholesterol levels
+ Heart pain - Angina
+ High blood pressure
+ Multiple sclerosis
+ Psoriasis & Eczema
+ Stroke & heart attack
The high content of omega-3 fatty acids in flax seed oil is but one of its positive attributes. The essential fatty acids combined here have proven to impart a regulatory function on the body's fatty acid metabolism. Fat metabolism is as important, if not more critical, than our body's metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates as evidenced by the drastic rise in fat related degenerative diseases, such as vascular disease and strokes. Dietary essential fatty acids common to flax seed oil are ultimately converted to hormone-like substances known as prostaglandins, and are important for the regulation of a host of bodily functions including:
+ inflammation, pain, and swelling
+ pressure in the eye, joints or blood vessels
+ secretions from mucus membranes and their viscosity
+ smooth muscle & autonomic reflexes, gastrointestinal, arterial, ear, heart
+ water retention
+ blood clotting ability
+ allergic response
+ rheumatoid arthritis
+ nerve transmission
+ steroid production & hormone synthesis
Scientists continue to discover regulating effects of prostaglandins. Without the essential fatty acids, the building blocks of prostaglandins, a malfunction of fat metabolism is certain, as are problems in the regulation of the above listed bodily functions.
Conversion of EFAs~
Conversion of Omega-6s
"LA and its derivatives belong to the omega 6 family of polyunsaturates. In addition to linoleic acid (LA), this family includes
· gamma-linoleic acid (GLA),
· dihomogamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), and
· arachidonic acid (AA).
If LA is provided by foods, our cells make GLA, DGLA, and AA."
Conversion of Omega-3s
"LNA and its derivatives belong to an omega 3 family of superunstaurates. Besides alpha-linolenic acid (LNA), this family includes
· stearidonic acid (SDA),
· eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and
· docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
If LNA is provided by foods, our cells make SDA, EPA and DHA."
Inhibition of EFA Conversion
· "Bad fats (margarines, shortenings, trans-fatty acids, hard fats, sugar and cholesterol),
· lack of minerals (magnesium, selenium, zinc) and
· [lack of ] vitamins (B3, B6, C, E),
· viruses,
· obesity,
· diabetes,
· aging, and
· rare genetic mutations
can all inhibit omega 6 [and omega 3] conversion."
Inhibition of Omega-6 Conversion
"[if omeaga-6 conversion is inhibited] an oil containing omega 6 derivatives can help.
GLA is present in
· evening primrose,
· borage, and
· black currant seed.
DGLA is found in
· mother’s milk.
AA is found in
· meats,
· eggs, and
· dairy products."
Inhibition of Omega-3 Conversion
"When the conversion of EFAs to their derivatives is inhibited by the factors listed above,
DHA from
· black currant seed oil, or
EPA and DHA from
· fish oils and
· northern ocean algae
can be given."
Here's some of the Technical Jargon~
EFA Functions
"As structural components of membranes, EFAs help form a barrier that keeps
· foreign molecules,
· viruses,
· yeasts,
· fungi, and
· bacteria
outside of cells, and keeps the cell’s
· proteins,
· enzymes,
· genetic material, and
· organelles (small organs)
inside. They also help regulate the traffic of substances in and out of our cells via protein channels, pumps, and other mechanisms.
They perform similar functions in membranes that surround organelles within our cells. EFAs fulfill many functions:
· Regulate oxygen use, electron transport, and energy production—our cells’ most important moment-to-moment processes.
· Help form red blood pigment (hemoglobin) from simpler substances.
· Keep juice-producing (exocrine) and hormone-producing (endocrine) glands active.
· Help make joint lubricants.
· Are precursors of prostaglandins (PGs), three families of short lived, hormone-like substances that regulate
blood pressure,
platelet stickiness, and
kidney function.
A delicate balance between PGs with opposing functions, in part determined by omega 6 and omega 3 intake, determines the health of our cardiovascular system.
· Help transport cholesterol.
· Help generate electrical currents that make our heart beat in orderly sequence.
· Are precursors of derivatives like DHA [a derivative of omega-3], which are needed by the most active tissues—
brain,
retina,
adrenal, and
testes.
· Help our immune system fight infections by enhancing peroxide production.
· Help prevent the development of allergies.
EFAs play a role in every life process in our body. Life without them is impossible. When foods are EFA-poor, expect a diversity of health problems."
Cellular and Tissue Functions
"This definition of essentiality reflects the fact that essential nutrients perform key functions in our cells and tissues that the body cannot live without. EFAs play their essential roles by:
· Helping to form the membrane barrier that surrounds our cells and intracellular factories (organelles).
· Determining fluidity and chemical reactivity of membranes.
· Increasing oxidation rate, metabolic rate,and energy levels.
· Serving as starting material for hormone-like regulating molecules (prostaglandins) that govern cell activities on a moment-to-moment basis."
Properties of EFAs
"The value of LA [the omega 6 EFA, linoleic acid] and LNA [the omega 3 EFA, alpha-linolenic acid] to health results from their chemical properties. EFAs react with oxygen (EFA-rich oils—flax, hemp, safflower—were traditionally used in paints because they oxidize [oxidation creates acidic waste products, butoxidation also provides energy that is necessary for us to live], dry and harden quickly when exposed to air). When fresh, these oils are valuable human foods. EFAs absorb sunlight, increasing their ability to react with oxygen by about 1000-fold and making them very active chemically.
EFA molecules carry slight negative charges that cause them to repel one another. They spread out in all directions. This property enables EFAs to carry oil-soluble toxins from deep within the body to the skin surface for eliminations [detoxification]. EFAs form associations with sulfhydryl group (cysteine) in proteins, important in reactions that make possible the one-way movement of electrons and energy on which life depends. EFAs store electric charges that produce bio-electric currents important for
· nerve,
· muscle, and
· cell membrane functions, and
· the transmission of messages."
I hope this helps to explain some of the questions anyone has regarding EFA's, there uses, the whys, hows and benefits.
Stay Strong~~!!!
IPL
Essential Fatty Acids~
So just what are EFA's and why are they Essential? Fatty acids are the building blocks of fats. Some fatty acids are "essential" because we need them to live, yet we cannot manufacture our own, so we must ingest them through the foods we eat. The word "essential" is used to mean "must be ingested". Other fatty acids are manufactured by the body, thus although we need them, they are not labeled as "essential".
"There are two essential fatty acids - commonly referred to as Omega-3…and Omega-6…- that are indeed essential for life because they are vitally involved in the proper functioning of every cell, tissue and organ in the human body. The Omega-6 EFAs are distributed evenly in most tissues, but Omega-3 EFAs are concentrated in a few tissues including the brain. More specifically, a substance termed …(DHA), converted from Omega-3 EFAs, is the most abundant Omega-3 EFA in the brain. The brain has the greater percentage of fat than any other organ in the body - 20% of the dry weight of the brain makes up EFA. We are, in fact, all 'fat heads'!
The polyunsaturated fatty acids -- chemically speaking, those that are not "saturated" and thus have more than 1 double bond -- are divided into families depending on where their end-most double bond is located. There are two main subtypes of fatty acids: the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The Omega-3's are those with their endmost double bond 3 carbons from their methyl end. The Omega-6's are those with their endmost double bond 6 carbons from their methyl end.
Linoleic acid (an omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3) are the only true "essential" fatty acids, because although a slow process, given enough alpha-linolenic acid, the body can synthesize eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) -- both important fatty acids of the omega-3 family. But, in order to effectively increase the body's stores, they too must be consumed.
What Do Essential Fatty Acids's (EFA's) Do For Me?
~treat Eczema and maintain healthy skin
~maintain healthy heart and arteries
~maintain mood through prostaglandin modulation
~keep cell membranes working properly and efficiently
~treat Diabetic neuropathy
~relieve PMS and cyclical breast pain
Why Do I Need Essential Fatty Acids?
You need them to live. Many people are in a state of chronic low levels of essential fatty acids. EFA's are needed for maintaining proper cell membrane structure--which allows the proper distribution of nutrients throughout your body, they are needed for proper prostaglandin formation and maintenance (please see our 40-30-30 page for more information on this topic), and most notably for the efficient metabolism of cholesterol. It has been repeatedly noted in population studies that people who consume more fish (omega-3's) consistently have a lower incidence of heart disease. Autopsies done on corpses have revealed a direct inverse correlation between the amount of omega-3's present and the healthiness of the heart. Those with low levels of omega-3's showed
greater incidence of coronary heart disease than those with high levels of omega-3's and those with the highest levels of omega-3's had the lowest incidence of coronary heart disease.
Essential Fatty Acids are as essential as vitamins. They are essential because if you do not get enough of them you will become ill in some way; without linoleic acid (an EFA), you will die. Most North Americans get little or none of these EFAs. The body does not manufacture EFA's, you must obtain them through your diet and the great majority of foods do not contain Essential Fatty Acids. It has been shown that body cells deprived of Essential Fatty Acids become cancerous, and it is difficult, if not impossible, to heal from cancer without adequate levels of these essential fats.
EFAs and Vitamins~
"Like vitamins, EFAs are essential to health. Older literature, in fact, refers to them as vitamin F. Vitamins and EFAs are essential because:
~We must have them to live and to be healthy.
~Our bodies cannot make them from other substances.
~We must obtain an adequate supply from external sources—from food or from supplements.
~Deficiency results in gradual deterioration of cells and tissues, and ultimately, in death.
~Increasing the intake to adequate levels reverses the signs brought about by deficiency."
EFAs are Macronutrients~
"While EFAs are like vitamins in their essentiality, they differ in other respects. Vitamins are required in small amounts (mg/day). EFAs are macronutrients, necessary in grams/day."
What Foods Contain EFAs?
Food sources of linoleic acid include seeds, nuts, grains and legumes. Alpha-linoleic acid is found in the green leaves of plants, including phytoplankton and algae, and in some seeds, nuts and legumes (flax, canola, walnuts and soy) as well as in cold water fish. Flax seed above all is the highest best quality concentration of Omega-3 fatty acid.
Am I Not Supposed To Avoid Fat?
You should only avoid trans fatty acids, such as those found in deep fried foods. Fats, whether they started out good or not, are irrevocably changed for the worse when they are heated. EFA's are polyunsaturated; they have carbon bonds that are easily broken and do not result in harm to the body. When EFA's are heated their bonds change and they become trans fatty acids: sticky and harmful fats that are not easily broken down by the body.
How Much Essential Fatty Acids Supplementation Do I Need?
Omega3 Fatty Acids are essential to the body and our bodies cannot make them. And most people do not get nearly enough of them in their diet. Most people consume too much omega-6 relative to the amount of omega-3 that they get. Vegetarians must be particularly careful because it is much easier to get supplies of omega-6 in the vegetarian diet. The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 that should be ingested is around 6:1 for fish-eaters, and 3:1 for vegetarians (because they need to manufacture their own EPA and DHA). Flaxseed oil (or simply flax seeds) is a good choice to boost the intake of omega-3.
Are There Any Side Effects With Essential Fatty Acids?
No!
Can you tell me more about Flax seed?
Flax, an ancient but little known seed, has recently gained worldwide recognition for its many nutritional attributes. Seven years ago, researchers from The University of Toronto began to study the potential benefits of flax. Their results showed that flax seed could lower serum cholesterol and also prevent the growth of new cancer cells. The prediction is: flax will likely be found in many new foods in the near future. In Dr. Andrew Weil's new book "Eight Weeks to Optimum Health" flax seeds are the first things that he suggests that anyone interested in eating healthier do. He recommends whole flax seeds ground into cereal or sprinkled on foods, but they are also available in capsule form or in flax seed oil. The FDA presented their findings at a recent convention on Experimental Biology and related the following findings: Levels of 1.25 and 2.5% flax in the diet stimulated the immune system. flax increased vitamin D levels and increased the retention of calcium, magnesium and phosphate. flax is very high in lignans which have anti-tumor properties and may be linked to a low incidence of breast cancer and colon cancer. Moderately high levels of flax, compared to the same level of oat bran was better in lowering triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL, and favorable effects on insulin activity. flax seeds are very reasonable priced and seem to be a valuable addition to the daily diet.
What are some of the other beneficial uses Of Flax Seed Oil~
In this day and age of fat phobia and the resultant barrage of low fat and non-fat food products lining the grocery store aisles, a recommendation to supplement your daily diet with one to two tablespoons of essential fatty acid rich flax or borage seed oil would appear to go against what you are being told. To the contrary, this is exactly what health conscious consumers are doing across the country, not only to attain and maintain health. The fatty acids have been scientifically validated to not only benefit optimal health, but in many instances, serve as a treatment for the over 60 health ailments.
It is true Americans should not consume more than 20-30% of daily calories as fats, a lack of the dietary essential fatty acids has been suggested to facilitate degenerative disease. Surveys indicate that at least 80% of our population is deficient in the essential fatty acids, this may present a serious health threat. Unfortunately, mass commercial refinement of fats and oils products and foods containing them has effectively eliminated the essential fatty acids from our food chain, contributing to our modern day deficiency.
Flax seed oil is considered by many to be the answer to this health dilemma. Oil extracted from flax seed is unique because it contains both essential fatty acids: alpha-linolenic, an omega-3 fatty acid, and linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, in appreciable amounts. Flax seed oil is the world's richest source of omega-3 fatty acids at a whopping 57% (over two times the amount of omega-3 fatty acids as fish oils). Omega-3 fatty acids have been extensively studied for their beneficial effects toward:
+ Arthritis
+ Cancer
+ High cholesterol levels
+ Heart pain - Angina
+ High blood pressure
+ Multiple sclerosis
+ Psoriasis & Eczema
+ Stroke & heart attack
The high content of omega-3 fatty acids in flax seed oil is but one of its positive attributes. The essential fatty acids combined here have proven to impart a regulatory function on the body's fatty acid metabolism. Fat metabolism is as important, if not more critical, than our body's metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates as evidenced by the drastic rise in fat related degenerative diseases, such as vascular disease and strokes. Dietary essential fatty acids common to flax seed oil are ultimately converted to hormone-like substances known as prostaglandins, and are important for the regulation of a host of bodily functions including:
+ inflammation, pain, and swelling
+ pressure in the eye, joints or blood vessels
+ secretions from mucus membranes and their viscosity
+ smooth muscle & autonomic reflexes, gastrointestinal, arterial, ear, heart
+ water retention
+ blood clotting ability
+ allergic response
+ rheumatoid arthritis
+ nerve transmission
+ steroid production & hormone synthesis
Scientists continue to discover regulating effects of prostaglandins. Without the essential fatty acids, the building blocks of prostaglandins, a malfunction of fat metabolism is certain, as are problems in the regulation of the above listed bodily functions.
Conversion of EFAs~
Conversion of Omega-6s
"LA and its derivatives belong to the omega 6 family of polyunsaturates. In addition to linoleic acid (LA), this family includes
· gamma-linoleic acid (GLA),
· dihomogamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), and
· arachidonic acid (AA).
If LA is provided by foods, our cells make GLA, DGLA, and AA."
Conversion of Omega-3s
"LNA and its derivatives belong to an omega 3 family of superunstaurates. Besides alpha-linolenic acid (LNA), this family includes
· stearidonic acid (SDA),
· eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and
· docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
If LNA is provided by foods, our cells make SDA, EPA and DHA."
Inhibition of EFA Conversion
· "Bad fats (margarines, shortenings, trans-fatty acids, hard fats, sugar and cholesterol),
· lack of minerals (magnesium, selenium, zinc) and
· [lack of ] vitamins (B3, B6, C, E),
· viruses,
· obesity,
· diabetes,
· aging, and
· rare genetic mutations
can all inhibit omega 6 [and omega 3] conversion."
Inhibition of Omega-6 Conversion
"[if omeaga-6 conversion is inhibited] an oil containing omega 6 derivatives can help.
GLA is present in
· evening primrose,
· borage, and
· black currant seed.
DGLA is found in
· mother’s milk.
AA is found in
· meats,
· eggs, and
· dairy products."
Inhibition of Omega-3 Conversion
"When the conversion of EFAs to their derivatives is inhibited by the factors listed above,
DHA from
· black currant seed oil, or
EPA and DHA from
· fish oils and
· northern ocean algae
can be given."
Here's some of the Technical Jargon~
EFA Functions
"As structural components of membranes, EFAs help form a barrier that keeps
· foreign molecules,
· viruses,
· yeasts,
· fungi, and
· bacteria
outside of cells, and keeps the cell’s
· proteins,
· enzymes,
· genetic material, and
· organelles (small organs)
inside. They also help regulate the traffic of substances in and out of our cells via protein channels, pumps, and other mechanisms.
They perform similar functions in membranes that surround organelles within our cells. EFAs fulfill many functions:
· Regulate oxygen use, electron transport, and energy production—our cells’ most important moment-to-moment processes.
· Help form red blood pigment (hemoglobin) from simpler substances.
· Keep juice-producing (exocrine) and hormone-producing (endocrine) glands active.
· Help make joint lubricants.
· Are precursors of prostaglandins (PGs), three families of short lived, hormone-like substances that regulate
blood pressure,
platelet stickiness, and
kidney function.
A delicate balance between PGs with opposing functions, in part determined by omega 6 and omega 3 intake, determines the health of our cardiovascular system.
· Help transport cholesterol.
· Help generate electrical currents that make our heart beat in orderly sequence.
· Are precursors of derivatives like DHA [a derivative of omega-3], which are needed by the most active tissues—
brain,
retina,
adrenal, and
testes.
· Help our immune system fight infections by enhancing peroxide production.
· Help prevent the development of allergies.
EFAs play a role in every life process in our body. Life without them is impossible. When foods are EFA-poor, expect a diversity of health problems."
Cellular and Tissue Functions
"This definition of essentiality reflects the fact that essential nutrients perform key functions in our cells and tissues that the body cannot live without. EFAs play their essential roles by:
· Helping to form the membrane barrier that surrounds our cells and intracellular factories (organelles).
· Determining fluidity and chemical reactivity of membranes.
· Increasing oxidation rate, metabolic rate,and energy levels.
· Serving as starting material for hormone-like regulating molecules (prostaglandins) that govern cell activities on a moment-to-moment basis."
Properties of EFAs
"The value of LA [the omega 6 EFA, linoleic acid] and LNA [the omega 3 EFA, alpha-linolenic acid] to health results from their chemical properties. EFAs react with oxygen (EFA-rich oils—flax, hemp, safflower—were traditionally used in paints because they oxidize [oxidation creates acidic waste products, butoxidation also provides energy that is necessary for us to live], dry and harden quickly when exposed to air). When fresh, these oils are valuable human foods. EFAs absorb sunlight, increasing their ability to react with oxygen by about 1000-fold and making them very active chemically.
EFA molecules carry slight negative charges that cause them to repel one another. They spread out in all directions. This property enables EFAs to carry oil-soluble toxins from deep within the body to the skin surface for eliminations [detoxification]. EFAs form associations with sulfhydryl group (cysteine) in proteins, important in reactions that make possible the one-way movement of electrons and energy on which life depends. EFAs store electric charges that produce bio-electric currents important for
· nerve,
· muscle, and
· cell membrane functions, and
· the transmission of messages."
I hope this helps to explain some of the questions anyone has regarding EFA's, there uses, the whys, hows and benefits.
Stay Strong~~!!!
IPL
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