ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS
by Joe Bassett
permission granted by the Touch For Health Kinesiology Association - New Castle, OH
to share

Our war with fat — No fat- Low fat- Fat free etc. SURPRISE!

Some fats are essential.

Know the critical role of Lipids (fats). Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are

required for human health. The body doesn't produce two of them — linoleic acid (LA, or omega 6) and alpha-linoleic acid (LNA or omega 3). So they must be obtained from the diet. They are also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). They play vital roles in brain function, growth and development, and disease prevention.

• They lower the risk of heart disease and benefit the brain.

• They have potent anti-inflammatory action, arthritis, heart disease, and nervous system.

• They help maintain healthy triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein levels.

• In obesity, hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, alcoholism, schizophrenia,

Alzheimer's, atherosclerosis, and cancer; the metabolism of EFA's is altered.

• They are necessary for healthy infant growth.

• DHA is necessary for cell membranes, especially brain and retina.

• EFA's play an important role in hormone production and govern countless metabolic processes.

• They also have powerful immune and anti viral activity.

• They help relieve depression and improve mood.

• The greatest gift- optimal health.

They treat a variety of conditions: Asthma, Arthritis, Burns, Cancer, Inflammatory bowel disease, Macular degeneration, Weight loss, Women's health, Fertility, Menstrual problems and Pain.

Optimal consumption of EFAs varies depending on the population and whether the goal is preventing disease or slowing the progression of existing heart disease. In the general population, 250mg per day of EPA and DHA is a reasonable target intake to reduce the risk. Because they persist in tissue for weeks, this would be about 1,500 to 2,000mg per week. Found in 1-6 oz. serving of salmon. For people already suffering from coronary disease 1,000md per day of each oil is recommended. Some research advises 500 to 1,000mg per day. It could also be achieved by taking dietary supplements.

Much of the evidence of disease prevention comes from fish and fish oil studies. There are fewer studies done with plant derived fatty acids. Some

research indicates that plant sources are less potent and less effective than animal sources of EFAs. Until recently, most vegetarian omega-3 supplements contained only DHA, but recently EFA supplements derived from algae contained EPA as well. Protective benefits have been observed with daily consumption of as little as 25 to 57mg a day.

References: Woodland Publishing- Fish Oil, Omega-3 and Essential Fatty Acids.

Joseph M. Bassett