Essential fatty acids are those which cannot be generated by our bodies naturally. So, we rely on plant or animal sources from our diets to provide them for us. While one may not notice it immediately, the effects of a poor diet could be allowing for widespread degeneration, as well as bad skin, hair and recovery time.
Linoleic Acid
The first category of fatty acids is called Linoleic Acid (LA), which falls into the poly-unsaturated category. The second is called Alpha Linolenic Acid (LNA), also from the poly-unsaturated category but sometimes referred to as “super-unsaturated” because of its extremely low melting point.
LA and LNA facilitate the production of other naturally produced fatty acids, so they are really important supplements to get the body energized.
Additionally, growing processes and mental functions are improved as the fatty acids act as transporters of oxygen, electrons and energy in and out of cells.
With these acids, haemoglobin production is stimulated and nutrients pass along cell membranes effortlessly.
Digestive functions are improved and chronic heartburn acid reflux becomes a thing of the past.
The recovery time from fatigue is shortened and the damage from saturated fats is reduced, since these fatty acids helps to disperse and transport the bad cholesterol out of the system.
How does one know if he or she is suffering from a deficiency of Linoleic Acid?
Symptoms include Eczema-like skin conditions, loss of hair, behavioural outbursts, liver and kidney degeneration, excessive thirst and sweating, arthritis, reproductive failure and increased healing time for wounds or infections.
Essential fatty acids like Linoleic Acid can be found in the “Omega-6” family: vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains and seeds. Other good sources include safflower, sunflower, corn, primrose, pumpkin, wheat germ and soya oils.
Doctors have used Omega-6 / LNA essential fatty acids to reduce inflammation, treat menstrual disorders, improve skin conditions (like acne or psoriasis) and rejuvenate hair follicles.
Telltale signs of Linolenic Acid deficiency are:
- Weakness
- Impaired vision or learning ability
- Poor motor skills
- Tingling in the arms and legs,
- Behavioural outbursts
- Poor growth
Essential fatty acids like Linolenic Acid can be found in the “Omega-3” family: mustard seeds, pumpkin seeds, soya bean, walnut oil, green leafy vegetables, grains, spirulina, fish, canola oil and flaxseed oil.
UK research shows that children given essential fatty acids (notably the Omega-3’s) scored higher on reading tests, had generally better behaviour and fewer incidences of ADD.
Omega-3 treatment has been used by doctors to naturally treat Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, depression, inflammation, arthritis and autoimmune disorders. Harvard University research has also been shown to help with high blood pressure, cholesterol and in cancer prevention.
To improve overall body functions, including mental health and skin conditions, adding one serving of fish or nuts each day can be all it takes.
Doctors especially recommend flaxseed, flaxseed oil and fish oil supplements. A balance of the two is crucial for good health, as too much Omega-6 can sometimes have reverse effects.
For vegetarians, good sources of fatty acids include: soy milk, cereals rich in Vitamin D and B12, whole grain breads and leafy green vegetables. It’s important, however, that the vegan or vegetarian combine their vegetable intake with iron (pulses, tofu, nuts), calcium (legumes, cashews, almonds) and B12 (wheat germ, yeast extract, avocados). In order to work, these acids need vitamins (A, B3, B6, C, E) and minerals (Magnesium, Zinc) to perform.
Roughly two-thirds of the people living in industrialized nations die prematurely from degenerative diseases involving fats. Sixty-eight percent of those deaths are caused by cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. Studies from Japan found that an improper balance in Omega-6 and Omega-3 essential fatty acids, is directly linked to behavioural patterns, degeneration and life-threatening diseases. While much of the average diet contains Omega-6, it is recommended that people increase their intake of Omega-3 with flaxseed, fish or seal oil.