What are essential fatty acids (EFA)?
Fatty acids are the break-down products of fats. Certain fatty acids are required by the body yet are not produced by the cells. They are termed essential and must be provided by the diet. There are two families of essential fatty acids, omega-3’s (EPA, DHA, ALA) and omega-6’s (LA, GLA, AA). EFA’s are provided by foods such as flax seed, fish, vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, meats and are necessary for many vital and protective functions in the body.
EFAs = Essential Fatty Acids are substances from fats that must be provided by foods because the body cannot make them, and yet must have them for health. EFAs exist in two families: omega-3 and omega-6. According to the above definition of essential, there are only two essential fats (technically called essential fatty acids or EFAs). One is the omega 3 EFA, called alpha-linolenic acid. The other, the omega 6 EFA, is known as linoleic acid. Certain fats are defined as ‘essential’ because: 1. The body cannot make them; 2. They are required for normal cell, tissue, gland, and organ function, for health, and for life; 3. They must be provided from outside the body, through food or supplements; 4. They can come only from fats (hence fat-free diets cannot supply them); 5. Their absence from the diet will eventually kill; 6. Deficiency results in progressive deterioration, can lead to death; 7. Return of essential fatty acids to a deficient diet reverses the symptoms of deficiency and resul
