Omega-3 EFA & Omega-6 EFA

Since our bodies cannot manufacture these fatty acids, we must obtain them in balance from our food and supplements. Deficiencies can cause dry hair and skin to more serious problems, including hair loss, mood swings, chronic thirst, increased susceptibility to infections (remember the membrane of each cell is compromised which leaves it open to attack), and increased risk of sterility, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. In addition, studies have shown that the lack of EFA's can trigger feelings of depression and violent outbursts.

Cardiovascular System:

EFA's trigger the production of prostaglandins, hormonelike substances that regulate the most important physiological processes in our bodies. Prostaglandins maintain the cardiovascular system by relaxing the arteries, inhibit platelet stickiness so blood clots don't form, regulate the transport and metabolism of cholesterol, and monitor blood pressure. In addition, the function of the layer of cells lining the heart and blood and lymph vessels (called the endothelial function) benefits from EFA's, especially Omega-3 EFA's. The active incredients in fish oil (best source of the Omega-3 EFA's) are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), Omega-3 EFA's that prevent blood clotting, hence heart attacks. Evidence suggests that high doses can prevent heart arrhythmias.

Other Systems:

EFA's also exert similarly profound effects on the immune, reproductive, pulmonary, and digestive systems.

Arthitis and joint pain:

The produced prostaglandins triggered by EFA's also work minute by minute to counteract pain and inflamation. The Omega-3 EFA's are most effective. Those suffering from rheumatism, arthitiis and joint pain benefit greatly from larger amounts of the Omega-3 EFA's (again, primarily found in fish oils).

Depression and mood swings:

EFA's, especially Omega-3 EFA's, help us keep our "cool" when we are under pressure by curbing the body's overproduction of stress biochemicals, such as arachidonic acid.

Out of Balance and Paying For It

After perusing Part 1 and the above, you will quickly see how out of balance our diets have become. The average person consumes too much of the "bad" fat (saturated fat) and too little of the "good" fat (poly- and superpolyunsaturated fats). We have seen a higher percentage of cardiovascular disease, arthitis, depression, allergies and other immune problems, reproductive problems, and digestive problems over the last 30 years. One of the major reasons has been the change in dietary fat intake. And one of the major reasons for that terrible change was the "scare" and poor study interpretation regarding cholesterol.

But there are other reasons and other imbalances that began almost 200 years ago. Our ancestors' diet was made up of foods containing roughly equal amounts of Omega-3 EFA's and Omega-6 EFA's. Our diet (the "American" or "western" diet) contains twenty-five times more Omega-6 EFA's than Omega-3 EFA's, roughly a three to one ratio. There are several reasons:

• Food grown domestically (on farms) now contain less Omega-3 EFA's than grown in the wild. This includes chicken and eggs, pigs, and cattle as well as vegetables.
• Modern food processing destroys the delicate Omega-3 EFA's, as understood by reading the definitions in Part 1.
• Consumption of foods rich in Omega-3 EFA's (such as fish and flaxseeds) have decreased substantially while foods rich in Omega-6 EFA's (such as grains and vegetable oils like sunflower, corn, sesame and safflower) have increased.
  
  

Change is easy, but not automatic!

Simple changes in the diet can reverse the "fat" imbalance quickly, and many of the physical problems associated with it. Here are a few tips:

• Eat EFA-rich foods daily. Fish (such as salmon, tuna) and fish oils, flaxseeds and flaxseed oil (also known as linseed oil) and flax meal are the richest in Omega-3 EFA's. Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, collard greens, and kale also offer a fair amount of Omega-3 EFA's. Soybeans and soybean oil, canola oil, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and brazilnuts have a good balance of both EFA's. You can eat the nuts and seeds raw or lightly toasted. Use the seeds and oils to garnish salads, cooked grains or whole-grain pasta. Flax meal can be used in beverages, sauces and baking.
• Buy organic when possible. Organically grown vegies have a higher EFA content than those that are conventially grown. Buy eggs that advertise the Omega-3 content. The chickens have been fed flaxseed which results in a higher level of Omega-3 EFA's in the eggs.
• Keep the heat down. Heat and oxygen destroys delicate EFA's. Ideally, oils that are high in EFa's should be sprinkled raw over salads, cooked vegies and grains. When you use oil for cooking, be sure to use unrefined oils which contain higher levels of EFA's and cook at low temperatures.
• Protect your oils. Omega-3 oils should be in dark bottles and should always be refrigerated.
• Supplement! This is a quick and easy way, but don't use it as an excuse to consume the "bad" fats or eliminate proper eating. Mood enhancement can be felt within hours, but it may take up to six weeks to see an improvement in dry skin. Even the most serious of conditions like clogged arteries can improve rapidly with proper supplementation of Omega-3 EFA's. Once balance is restored, it is important to maintain the balance between the EFA's, as well as continue to limit the "bad" fats.
  
  

Our Herbalifeline is the most powerful Omega-3 product on the market today. It is patented and proven! We have seen dramatic results over the last fifteen years or so with personal and customer results regarding arthritis, high blood pressure, clogged arteries, depression and immune problems. Our products contains the whole spectrum of Omega-3 EFA's in a special dark protective capsule that preserves its potency. You are welcome to call Carol at 800-905-2266 for more details.

Our discussion on fat will continue in Part 3 of The Skinny on Fat.

Your health is our concern at http://www.BTrim4Life.com