Essential Fatty Acids Deficiency

The essential fatty acids profile is for those wanting to maximise good health now and look to the future to prevent some of the chronic ill health conditions.

There are four basic types of fat that the body takes from food: cholesterol, saturated fat, monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated essential fatty acids. The polyunsaturated essential fatty acids are the ones the body uses to build itself.

The essential fatty acids are called 'essential' fatty acids because they are necessary for life. The body cannot make EFA's for itself nor can it store them, so we need a regular supply in our food. Essential Fatty Acids are converted by the body into prostaglandins and other chemicals - all of which are needed constantly by most tissues in the body and for essential body processes. Many people are deficient in these valuable oils.

In addition to providing energy, Essential Fatty Acids are part of the structure of every cell in our bodies. We need them to achieve & maintain a healthy heart; but they are also essential for a healthy brain, for healthy function of other organs, eyes, skin, joints, hair & immune system.

EFA's are essential in maintaining a wide range of our bodies' processes: immune responses, blood clotting, muscle maintenance, bodily secretions, the hormone system, cell division, healthy heart, oxygen transport, healthy brain and nerves, kidney function and healthy joints and skin.

Sources of essential fatty acids include:

oily fish like salmon, herring and mackerel
nuts like walnuts and almonds
dark green leafy vegetables
olive oil and flaxseed oil
whole grain foods
lean meats
eggs

Adding these products into a diet with other highly nutritional foods and exercise can ensure that you're giving your body the best possible combination of disease fighting, health-boosting nutrients it needs.

Essential Fatty Acid Facts

Your Body Can't Live without Fat.
The human brain is 60% fat.
Fat maintains the integrity of the nervous system, your brain's "communication center" with the rest of your body.
Fat is needed by all the cells in your body: Nerve cells, eye cells, brain cells and even heart cells need fat to survive.
Your body needs fat in order to properly absorb and use crucial vitamins such as A, D, E, K and Beta-Carotene.
Fat boosts your immune system and acts as a shield to keep out harmful germs and microbes that can cause illness.

Every cell in your body is made of these specialized fats, and these cells need a continuous supply of these fatty acids in order to function at its peak. Since your body doesn't produce these acids naturally, it depends on you to.

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