Suppliment Pros

Our bodies can not manufacture (EFA) essential fatty acids, (good fats), so we must take them in as food. They are vital to life, so much so, we as humans cannot live without them.

There are the omega-3 family and the omega-6 family. There needs to be a balance in our diets between the two families. The problem with most children’s and adult’s diets is that this balance is tipped in favor of the omega-6 fatty acids. This imbalance can lead to a host of problems, including behavioral changes, cardiovascular problems, skin problems, decreased immunity, joint problems, just to name a few medical conditions. Research has shown the western diet has 14-20 times more omega-6 and omega-3’s.

It has been estimated in the last 75 years that our omega-3 fatty acid consumption has decreased by 80 percent. Here are some major reasons why it has occurred.

• Increased hydrogenation of oils
• Increased sugar intake
• Refining of grains
• Digestive problems
• Increased use of pharmaceutical Medications.
• Infant formulas are not balanced with essential fatty acids
• Decreased consumption of foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acid(fish, flaxseeds, whole grains
• Fast foods

Essential fatty acids are needed for cells to carry out their normal functions. Here are some of the roles EFA play

• Brain and retina development
• proper circulation
• Immune Function
• Skin, nail, and hair health
• Balanced mood
• Kidney function
• Regulation of pain and inflammation
• Energy production
• Nerve transmission
• Hormone synthesis

Signs that can result from EFA deficiency or imbalance

Physical signs

• Dry eyes
• Dry skin
• Dandruff
• Poor wound healing
• Irritability
• Excessive thirst
• Soft nails,
• Dry hair

Conditions which may result from EFA deficiency or imbalance

• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Asthma
• Eczema
• Attention deficit disorder
• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Cardiovascular disease
• Cancer
•  Depression
• Dry skin
• Hypertension
• Lupus
• Memory problems
• Schizophrenia

EFA are very different from the harmful saturated fats. Hydrogenated fats and trans-fatty acids occur when the unsaturated fatty acid molecules from vegetable oils have had hydrogen molecules added. This results in unnatural fats that are semisolid or even solid. Margarine, salad dressings, breads, cookies, and crackers can and usually do have trans-fatty acids in their ingredients. They have no known benefit to the body, and should be avoided. Butter is better for baking and spreading. And olive oil, or even canola oil should be used for frying.

Now it’s important to get good quality supplements.

Here is some suggestions.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, February 28th, 2008 at 4:38 pm and is filed under Nutrition, Supplements. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
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