ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS: THE HEALING FATS
--Edelson Center for Environmental and Preventive Medicine
Many people who are concerned about their weight have a one-sided view of fat. It's important to remember that some fats are absolutely essential for health. These essential fatty acids (EFAs) cannot be made by the body; they must be provided through food or supplements.
EFAs work at the cellular level, helping to regulate the cell's moment-by-moment use of oxygen, production of energy, and transport of electrons. EFAs are precursors to prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that control blood pressure, platelet stickiness and kidney functions. EFAs are also precursors to DHA, needed by organs including the brain, retina, adrenals and testes. EFAs also help to: generate the electrical current to keep our hearts beating correctly; transport cholesterol; form hemoglobin; support the immune system; prevent allergies from developing, and more.
The two most essential of these fats are called omega-3 and omega-6. Omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) is found abundantly in flax and hemp seeds, and can be derived from black currant seed oil, cold-water fish oils and northern ocean algae. Omega-6 (linoleic acid) is abundant in evening primrose oil, polyunsaturated safflower, sunflower, and corn oils.
