Essential fatty acids or EFAs are fatty acids that should be obtained from diet since these cannot be created within an organism from other constituents through other kinds of chemical pathways. Experts usually refer to essential fatty acids highly involved in biological processes and not merely acting as a fuel source.
Achieving a healthy balance of Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids is difficult with todays modern eating habits and possibly the only way to obtain that balance is by using Omega 3 supplements.
There are three types of Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA’s) is found primarily in Perilla and Flaxseed Oils. DHA’s docosahexaenoic acid and EPA’s eicosapentaenoic acids are found in oils that are extracted from cold water fish.
Omega-3 oils are high in two types of essential fats that your body needs to maintain its good health. These two fats are DHA and EPA. DHA and EPA are very important in maintaining your health. Scientific research has indicated that these substances may also help prevent a variety of very significant and sometimes common but life threatening diseases.
The prime function of EFAs is the production of prostaglandins, which regulate body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, blood clotting, fertility, conception. It also plays a role in immune function by regulating inflammation and encouraging the body to fight infection. Essential Fatty Acids are also needed for proper growth in children, especially for neural development and maturation of sensory systems. Fetuses and breast-fed infants also require an adequate supply of EFAs through the mother's dietary intake.
The recommended daily intakes of essential fatty acids vary from organization to organization. Even in a low fat diet sufficient essential fatty acids can be consumed by eating fish or taking fish oil supplements. While the USDA has not established recommended daily intakes of essential fatty acids, they have established what they refer to as “Adequate Intake” for adults and children. Here we look at different recommendations for different age groups and various conditions.
A diet rich in omega-3 foods is what you should eat if you want to raise your good cholesterol levels and lower your bad cholesterol. It is recommended that a diet including two or three portions of fish each week will aid in lowering the levels of bad cholesterol as the essential fatty acids contained in fatty fish affect cholesterol.
Omega-3 fatty acids are unquestionably good for you, but they aren't the only essential fatty acids. This group also includes the omega-6's. Basically, omega-6 fatty acids make sure the body can defend itself. They are involved in the production of hormones that give the body the ability to respond to stress by clotting blood to seal a wound, increasing the heart rate and respiration for fight or flight, and in any number of hormonal processes related to sex.
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