What are EFA's and what do they do?

In the past few years, researchers have begun to understand the fundamental and crucial role that a certain class of fats, known as essential fatty acids (EFAs), plays in health and wellness. EFAs are called "essential" because the body needs them, however it is unable to produce them. Therefore, essential fatty acids must come from your diet.


There are only two essential fatty acids – alpha linolenic acid (omega-3) and linoleic acid (omega-6).


EFAs support the cardiovascular, reproductive, immune, and nervous systems. The human body needs EFAs to manufacture and repair cell membranes, enabling the cells to obtain optimum nutrition and expel harmful waste products. A primary function of EFAs is the production of prostaglandins, which regulate body functions such as

heart rate, blood pressure, blood clotting, fertility, conception, and play 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, particularly for neural development and maturation of sensory systems, with male children having higher needs than females. Foetuses and breast-fed infants also require an adequate supply of EFAs through the mother's dietary intake.


Some of the food sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are fish and shellfish, flaxseed (linseed), hemp oil, soya oil, canola (rapeseed) oil, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, leafy vegetables and walnuts. However achieving a healthy balance of Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids is difficult with today’s modern eating habits and depleted levels of EFA’s in our foods.


Benefits of Flaxseed Oil:

• Flaxseed oil contains lignans, which can be used to counter hormone related problems and ward off the ill effects of certain, bacteria and fungi.
• controls high blood pressure, helps to lower cholesterol and guards against heart disease. 
• combats inflammation due to gout, lupus and also inflammation in the joints and kidneys.
• reduces the intensity of joint pain and also reduces joint swelling. 
• is useful in controlling constipation. The dietary fiber content in the oil is considerable and helps to ease bowel movements.
• has been known to combat inflammation and it is useful in repairing intestinal tract damage.
• it has been known to keep gallstones at bay and sometimes even dissolve existing stones.
• acne, eczema, psoriasis, sunburn and rosacea have all been known to respond favourably to flaxseed oil.
• Omega-3 fatty acids ensure healthy hair and nails and it also helps to revitalize skin and prevents nails from cracking and breaking.
• flaxseed oil helps to reduce the severity of nerve damage and also aids in the triggering of nerve impulses. As it nourishes the nerve, it may possibly be of some use in the treating of Parkinson’s disease^*.
• it helps to combat the effects of aging and the lignans present in the oil guard against cancer. 
• another important area where it is of great help is the brain. The omega 3 fatty acids help retain emotional health of a person, helping to tackle depression and possibly Alzheimer’s disease^*.

  ^* studies are ongoing into use of flax seed oil and the treatment of these diseases

Vitamin supplements should not replace a balanced diet.