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MORE ABOUT ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS

Essential Fatty Acids are “essential” because they are indispensable — and our bodies cannot manufacture them.

Essential fatty acids are building blocks of hormone-like prostaglandins. In addition, essential fatty acids are needed to maintain the integrity of cell membranes. Healthy lipids in cell membranes are essential for cells to properly be able to signal one another.

Problems with cell signaling are associated in many health conditions including cancer and neurological disorders. We must get essential fatty acids from foods or through dietary supplements.

Some essential fatty acids are Omega-3’s, others are Omega-6’s. This has to do with their biochemical structures.

There are three types of Essential Omega-3 Fatty Acids

  • ALA – Alpha-linolenic acid
    • Broad range antioxidant — quenches free radicals. (ALA is water and fat soluble.)
    • Support of healthy blood sugar levels by increasing the cell’s ability to take in glucose.
    • Important for healthy skin; ingredient of many skin care products.
    • Sources: mostly plant sources – seeds and seed oils (flaxseed, walnuts, pumpkin, chia seeds, canola) and in soy, tofu, and olives.
  • DHA – Docosahexaenoic acid
    • Learning and memory support, healthy development and repair of brain and nervous system, and ocular (eye) health.
    • Major component of the brain’s gray matter.
    • Important structural component of heart tissue.
    • Found in testes and sperm.
    • Naturally in breastmilk.
    • Eye tissues have highest concentration of DHA in the body.
    • Sources: fish and fish oils, especially cold water fish (salmon, cod liver oil, mackerel, herring, sardines, tuna, herring, halibut), seaweed, krill and algae; cod liver oil contains more DHA than EPA and naturally has vitamin D and vitamin A.
  • EPA – Eicosapentaenoic Acid
    • Promotion of joint flexibility, anti-inflammatory and cardio-protective properties.
    • Sources: fish and fish oils, especially cold water fish (salmon, cod liver oil, mackerel, herring, sardines, tuna).

There are two types of Essential Omega-6 Fatty Acids

  • LA – Linoleic acid
    • May be pro-inflammatory.
    • Involved with hair, skin and wound healing.
    • Excesses of LA in US are clinical concern (vs. deficiencies).
    • Sources: seed and grain oils (sunflower, corn, soy, safflower), animal feeds composed of these seeds and grains.
  • GLA – Gamma-linolenic acid
    • Unique and healthful Omega-6 fatty acid.
    • Anti-inflammatory properties (most omega-6 fatty acids are inflammatory).
    • Studied for its benefits for certain joint and tissue conditions and promotion of healthy skin, hair and nails.
    • May help with chronic inflammatory skin conditions like eczema.
    • May work synergistically with omega-3 fatty acids and support hormonal balance.
    • Sources: evening primrose oil, borage oil and black current oil.

As for many things in life, your state of health is related to balance.

In this case, it’s a healthy ratio of Omega-3’s and Omega-6’s.