It is quite common for people who do not take any basic nutritional supplements at all to ask for help with a specific health problem. When basic nutrition is suggested as well as specific nutrient or herbs for their problem, they may think that I am trying to just “sell more products”. However, one of the most important nutritional elements is essential fatty acids (EFA). Of course minerals and vitamins are also, but people may get more of these from their diet than essential fatty acids. Why are EFA so critical to our wellbeing? Try this for a long list – it seems that essential fatty acid intake must be a panacea for all ills - almost!!

Nutrients in the foods that supply essential fatty acids may help with all of the following:

For children:

• supports of memory, learning skills, focus and concentration;
• positive mood and behaviour;
• autism, ADD;
• healthy skin and lungs;
• optimal metabolism and body composition growth;
• a calming effect;
• assistance with immunity; and
• supports healthy blood sugar levels.

For infants:

• supports development of proper brain, eye and central nervous system.

For all of us as we age:

• dementia, memory, clearer thinking.
• helps several mental health conditions including depression, bipolar disorder and suicide risk, anger, aggression and anxiety; and
• improvement in mood and other psychological conditions.

For mothers who take cod liver oil or quality fish oils:

• healthier deliveries;
• their children have higher academic achievements; and
• post partum depression may also be reduced.

Other well known and proven benefits are for heart disease and all the conditions associated with heart health including elevated or low blood pressure and cholesterol management. It is essential for all forms of arthritis and all inflammatory conditions such as pain from sports injury, frozen shoulder and the like. These nutrients also assist with asthma, immune function, dry eye syndrome, vision, and osteoporosis. They ought to be included in any weight management program, and for prostate and breast health – all hormonal balance (PMS, menopause)and skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis and include colon health and longevity.

Science has named the active nutritient from the flesh and liver oils of fish - omega 3 essential fatty acids and then within that are the components DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) These oils are essential to life and are almost identical to the lipid (oil) structure on the outer layer of the cells of our body. If we are to regenerate healthy cells on a day to day basis, whether they be brain, blood or muscle cells, we need a constant daily input of EFA’S – Omega 3, 6 & 9. Fish Oils are promoted as the basic source of these nutritional elements, but there are many other foods which can supply essential fatty acids. Some people cannot tolerate fish or fish oils, and some are vegetarians and choose not to take animal fats. Some would rather get this basic nutrition from food alone, than a gel capsule or liquid fish oil.

From where else do we get omega 3, 6 & 9 essential fatty acids? From whole foods, such as whole grains, and the oils from these grains, other animal fats, seeds, nuts and concentrated plant foods. Flaxseed (linseed) oils – a plant source provides an ideal ratio of 3, 6 & 9 essential fatty acids. Evening Primrose oil provides GLA, gamma-linolenic acid, a special type of omega 6. Emu Oil has a ratio higher in omega 9 essential fatty acids from which many get excellent results for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, memory, blood pressure and so on. Raw nuts such as almonds, macadamia, walnuts, pecans and sunflower, pepitas (pumpkin seeds), chia seeds supply excellent healthy fat nutrition. Fats from meats, milk products such as butter, cream, and full fat yoghurts provide EFA’s. These are saturated fats which are needed in the daily diet in small amounts to enable transportation of the fat soluble vitamins (Vit. A, E, D, K) into your cells.

So many people do not know the grains: spelt, millet, buckwheat and quinoa. Many have not seen the wheat seed that is turned into white flour. Brown rice is a whole grain, white rice is not – it has been refined. Certified organic is recommended, as most animals are now injected (or have ear implant) chemicals to increase growth to bring to market quickly or given antibiotics if lot fed or caged in intense farming conditions as are chickens, pigs and fish. These unnatural practices do not breed healthy animals and the natural essential fatty acid content is diminished along with other nutritional aspects. If not buying and eating certified organic meats and dairy foods, raw nuts, seeds and whole grains, then investment in TGA, Aust Govt approved, fish oils is an excellent preventative and curative step to take in the get well, stay well stakes.

Visit: www.Omega-Research.com and www.purehealthdirect.com for scientific research on the critical importance on these fats for healthy bodies and minds. Ref: Nordic Naturals Information literature

Be aware, be informed, be well.
Lesley Parker ND ANPA