What are Essential Fatty Acids?
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Published - Feb 7, 2012
When we hear the words “essential” and “fatty” together, it just doesn’t seem right? Rather, we tend to think of “fats” as synonymous with an unhealthy condition. But why are Essential Fatty Acids different and what are they?
Essential fatty acids or EFA’s are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids not naturally synthesized by the body. We instead have to take in these key building blocks through our diet.
EFA’s are the Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids you’ve seen highlighted in fish oil supplements, and as additives in foods and drinks. These substances are vitally important in the health and repair of cell membranes, allowing individual cells to efficiently take in nutrients and eliminate waste.
EFA’s are instrumental in the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins regulate body functions like heart rate and blood pressure, control blood clotting and enhance our immune system by reducing inflammation and boosting the body’s resistance to infection.
In the latest research, Essential Fatty Acids have been found to be especially vital in childhood development. Neurological development, sensory perception and even vision in newborns and infants can be impacted by deficiencies of EFA’s from the mother during pregnancy and thereafter.
And as EFA’s are not produced naturally in the body, our children are dependent upon us to provide these necessary building blocks of growth. Expectant mothers must maintain proper levels of EFA’s in their diets and follow up the pregnancy with supplements for toddlers, as they continue to develop physically and mentally.
We now have an idea what essential fatty acids are and we also know we can’t make them ourselves. So, how do we get them in our diet and if that’s not possible, can we get them in supplements?
Fortunately, there are natural foods that can help us reach our goals of taking in adequate levels of these fatty acids. Some cold water fish such as salmon, trout, halibut and tuna are good sources of EFA’s.
Likewise, some nuts and natural oils are loaded with the stuff. But as is the case with most nutrients, science has found ways to extract what we need most from natural food sources and concentrate their benefits in easy to take supplements. In the case of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, fish oil can be the basis of many supplements, giving the user the added comfort of knowing fish used in the process have been screened for levels of mercury, pesticides or dioxins.
EFA’s are most effective in adults as a heart disease preventative and for blood pressure control. As well, Omega’s have been shown to lower cholesterol, assist in regulating blood sugar, help in control of rheumatoid arthritis, and increase levels of calcium absorption to treat osteoporosis. The cognitive benefits of EFA’s in adults are also noteworthy, as professionals recommend their use in aging patients with declining memory and cognitive function.
So, these fatty acids are certainly essential! The kind around your middle…not so much!