Only two of the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential.
Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids, sometimes abbreviated EFAs, are fatty acids that are a required part of the human diet. The human body cannot synthesize these fatty acids and therefore must obtain them from a food or supplemental source. Essential fatty acids were originally classified as Vitamin F, however it was discovered that essential fatty acids were much more closely related to fats than to vitamins, and were reclassified as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-9 fatty acids can be fully synthesized by the human body, and as such are not considered essential to one’s diet. In truth, only two of the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential. Alpha-linoleic acid (LNA) is found only in plant sources- for example, Flax seed oil is a great source of both LNA and LA; however, all other essential fatty acids can be synthesized through modification of omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid, and omega-6 fatty acid Linoleic acid, or LA.
Benefits and Functions of Essential Fatty Acids
Essential Fatty Acids EPA and DHA, either produced by modifying LNA or obtained through animal sources like oily fleshed fish, help prevent heart disease and inflammation related diseases (like rheumatoid arthritis) by thinning the blood, preventing blood clots, and reducing inflammation. Essential fatty acids EPA, AA, and DGLA are involved in the construction of cell membranes after being manufactured into hormones known as eicosonoids.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 Balance
It is not only enough to maintain enough of both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, but also to keep a healthy ratio between omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids. Doctors recommend between a 1:1 and 1:6 ration between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. This is because many omega-6 acids compete with certain key omega-3 acids within the body. An overabundance of omega-6 fatty acids without enough omega-3 fatty acids to compensate can lead to omega-3 essential fatty acids being pushed out and unable to perform necessary tasks. If this occurs, a person many suffer symptoms of omega-3 deficiency, even when omega-3 intake is at a normally acceptable level. Unfortunately, due to modern processing techniques used in the manufacture of many foods, a large number of Americans have an essential fatty acid imbalance.
Sweet Medicine Essentials offers a wide range of supplements to help one achieve and maintain a healthy level of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids.
Tags: essential fatty acids, omega-3, omega-6