We need fats…the right fats with the right balance.  The popularity of low-fat dieting has given many people a fear of fats, with good reason.  Saturated fats, the unhealthy fats (ie. from animal meats and a lot of processed foods), are associated with cardiovascular disease and obesity and should be taken in moderation.  However, Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), the healthy fats, are often lacking in our diets, affecting our optimal functioning. 

EFAs are so defined because:

• The body cannot make them; they must be provided from outside the body, through food or supplements
• They are required for normal cell, tissue, gland, and organ function

There are two essential fatty acids.  One is omega 3 (n-3), called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).  The other, omega 6 (n-6), is known as linoleic acid.  EFAs play a part in many metabolic processes and also serve for the foundation of making other longer chains of fats essential to human health.  There is evidence to suggest low levels of essential fatty acid, or the wrong balance of types, may be a factor in a number of illnesses.  The balance of n-3 and n-6 also greatly affect their functions.  Namely though, EFAs improve inflammation, mood and brain functioning.  Indirectly they are involved in energy production, improved skin, hair, and nails, cardiovascular wellness, weight management, and digestion, among others!

Where do we find EFA’s?

• Green vegetables, but in very small quantities
• Seeds and other nuts are richer sources…but there are none that give an optimum ratio of n-3 to n-6.  Flaxseed is rich in n-3 but not in n-6.  Sunflower and sesame seeds contain n-6 but no n-3.  Other good sources are soya, rapeseed oil and hemp oil, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds and walnuts
• High fat, cold water fish like sardines, salmon, trout, herring and mackerel…ideally about two servings a week
• Oils made with health in mind: cold pressed from organically grown sources under protection of light, air, and heat.  Light, air, and heat all damage the integrity and structure of the oils.  Oils should be purchased in dark UV protecting bottles, refrigerated after opening and used with care in food preparation. 

Chris Watts’ daughter, Skyler, 8, had been suffering from eczema, spread over her arms and her parents have tried various nutritional means, including active culture yogurt with no results.  After about a month of taking EFAs, her skin has cleared up of all traces of eczema.

If you find it difficult to incorporate dietary sources of EFAs regularly into your diet, a liquid supplement is recommended.  The liquid form is more readily absorbed into your system compared with capsules and can also be used in salad dressings, soups, and drinks.

The Quantum brand from the United States available in the studio contains a blend of unrefined organic cold pressed olive, flaxseed, borage, and sesame seed oils in a light blocking bottle.

References

G. O. Burr and M. M. Burr (1930). “On the nature and role of the fatty acids essential in nutrition.”  J. Biol. Chem. 86:587

U Erasmus.  Fats that Heal, Fats that Kill.  Alive Books, Burnaby, Canada. 1993

U Erasmus.  Choosing the Right Fats.  Alive Books, Burnaby, Canada.  2001

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