(also referred to as...)
Borage Oil, EFAs, Flaxseed Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Hemp Seed Oil
Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Omega-6 Fatty Acids, Pumpkin Seed Oil
Description
Essential fatty acids help build nerve cells, synapse membranes, and the myelin sheath that covers most nerve fibres. They help transport and metabolize cholesterol and fats in the blood and stored fats in muscle tissue. These acids also form prostaglandins -- hormone-like substances that act as neuronal messengers in the body, facilitating proper nervous system function. In addition, EFAs transport vitamins, minerals, and other fat-soluble compounds required by your body and support proper immune system function.
EFAs come in two forms: omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid) and omega-6 fatty acids (linoleic acid). These fatty acids are not synthesized internally and must thus be obtained from our diet.
Deficiencies in vitamins A, C, E, B3, and B6, and magnesium and zinc can negatively affect essential fatty acid levels in the diet. Acetaminophen, acetylsalicylic acid, alcohol, and cortisone can also lower EFA levels. Aging and diabetes can also result in lower levels.
Ailments / Situations Where Used
Anxiety disorder can be treated with EFAs as they provide the brain with the nutrients it needs to function properly. The beneficial effects on the nervous system complement EFA actions on the brain.
Arthritic conditions are improved when prostaglandin production is increased through EFA supplementation. This anti-inflammatory helps relieve joint pain.
Children suffering from hyperactivity/attention deficit disorder are commonly deficient in essential fatty acids. They often respond positively to EFAs and show marked improvement in mental demands and social situations.
High cholesterol can be lowered through the beneficial fats provided by EFAs. Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids will help balance "good" and "bad" cholesterol levels.
EFAs are suitable for dealing with stress for similar reasons as those mentioned for treating anxiety disorder: your brain receives necessary nutrients and your nervous system functions better as a result of the greater number of prostaglandins facilitating neuronal message processing.
Source
Fish oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids and perilla seed (Chinese basil) and flaxseed/linseed oil are also both excellent sources. Other oils include borage, pumpkin seed, evening primrose, corn, soybean, and safflower oil. Eggs are another source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Beans, hemp seed oil, and walnuts are high in omega-6 fatty acids
Optimal Absorption
If supplementing with oils, take one tablespoon daily on yogurt, rice and/or bean dishes, salads, and vegetables.
Flaxseed Oil
If using flaxseed oil capsules, take 2 to 3 capsules daily, in the morning.
Evening Primrose Oil
If using evening primrose oil capsules take 1 500mg capsule daily, in the morning.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
Be sure the oils are unrefined and expeller-pressed/cold-pressed.
Do not cook with EFA oils. Heat denatures these oils and they lose their nutritional value.
Be sure to keep EFA oils (and unrefined/unhydrogenated oils in general) refrigerated as they will go rancid if not kept cool.
Ailment / Situation Listing
See also
Fat Facts
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