More on EFA'S

Essentials for Glowing Skin, Hair and a Lot More!
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s)
Essential fatty acids are a special group of oils that are required by the body for a wide range of metabolic functions. They have a proven therapeutic effect on inflammatory conditions, cardiovascular health, mood regulation as well as development and maintenance of a healthy central nervous system, important stuff! The only source to obtain EFA’S is via the diet in the form of alpha- linolenic acid (ALA) or topical application. The body has to convert (ALA) into 2 main other acid chains Omega 3 and Omega 6 these are then converted to (EPA), (DHA) and (GLA). However this conversion depends on enzymes that are prone to metabolic interference from lifestyle factors such as

Diets rich in sugar, alcohol, trans fats from processed foods
Smoking and Pollution
Stress and Aging
Viral infections and other illnesses such as diabetes

Essential Fatty Acids are divided into two families Omega 3 and Omega 6

Omega 6 essential fatty acids are Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA). Prostaglandin Essential 1, (PGE1) is found in direct sources in mothers milk, spirulina. Oils from evening primrose, black current seeds, borage seed: seeds of maple, sycamore and related trees. Plant seed oils such as sunflower, safflower, Soya, corn and maize oils.

Some symptoms of Omega 6 deficiencies are :
· dry skin, eyes and hair
· eczema like skin eruptions
· arthritis like joint pain
· water loss through the skin with attendant thirst


Omega 3 essential fatty acids are converted by the body’s enzymes into the fatty acids we know as EPA and DHA. Our brains contain 60% fat and the predominant fat in the brain is DHA. DHA is necessary for brain development, retention of information, our memory and visual acuity. Omega 3 disperses platelet aggregates in the blood thereby reducing the risk of coronary heart disease. Omega 3 EFA’S also produce the anti-inflammatory prostaglandin 3 (PGE3) which lowers the risk of rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis and inflammatory skin conditions such as Rosacea. This is a direct result as EPA is the main ant-inflammatory component of fish oil. EPA will also assist to improve mood regulation as EPA may also be beneficial in managing neurological inflammation.

Direct sources of omega 3 EFA’S are found in fish oil. These are an excellent source of EFA’S. Oily fish such as Mackerel, Salmon, Tuna, Sardines, Trout, Anchovies, Kippers, Whitebait, Herring, Swordfish, Monkfish, John Dory, Sea Bream, Marlin, Sea Bass, Dover Sole, Red And Grey Mullet, Halibut, Plaice, Red Snapper, Butter Fish, Pilchard, Eel and Anchovies. Small amounts are found in dark green leafy vegetables, the seeds of flax, chai, pumpkin, walnuts, soy products and Mother’s milk.

Some symptoms of Omega 3 deficiencies include:
· behavioural changes
· high triglycerides / cholesterol
· water retention
· dry and scaly skin, unresponsive skin, skin that feels oily but isn’t
· skin break outs that don’t heal
· eczema, dermatitis
· low metabolic rate and low energy
· some kinds of immune dysfunction
· inadequate glandular performance
· premature ageing
· hormonal imbalances from menopause of weight gain to premenstrual tension
· stiff joints
· continual cracked lips

Essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD) affects cells and tissues throughout the entire body, no part of the body can function without EFA’s. EFA’s have a great affinity to epidermic lipids (oils in the skin), cellular membranes and have therapeutic qualities that can treat eczema, dermatitis, lipid dryness, itchyosis. EFAD will also cause a reduction in the formation and production of prostaglandins (PGE1,2,3). Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that regulate many of the body’s functions. Each cell type or organ produces its own form of prostaglandin to carry out its functions as they are regulators of cell activity they are essential for maintaining health. Prostaglandin influences include heart rate regulation, blood pressure regulation, blood clotting, skin reactions, (eczema, psoriasis), fertility and conception.
The most important to the skin being prostaglandin 3, which will result in cellular inflammation if not regulated via adequate intake of EFA’S.
Supplementation can reverse symptoms of essential fatty acid deficiency when taken daily as they are the basic building blocks of body fats, biological membranes and prostaglandins.


Why Good Fat Is Good. Can you appreciate now when the mention fat it is the good type. As the above information has shown not all fats are equal. EFA’S are a type of fat that makes you slim, energised and younger looking. Good fat burns stored fat as it turns on the fat burning cell and hence gives you a flatter stomach and a smaller waist.
Good fats prevent you from over eating by telling your brain when to stop. You literally cannot binge on good fat because it fills you up. So snack on good fat with every single meal. Fat slows the rate at which sugar hits your blood stream and this allows your blood sugar levels to remain steady, keeping hunger and cravings at bay. A diet rich in EFA’s will keep you slim, energised with a beautiful glowing complexion and a great sense of wellbeing. So keep away from low fat food products they are often void of nutrients. It’s the sugar that makes you fat and creates wrinkles by attaching itself to collagen fibres (the stuff that keeps your skin plump and youthful), when collagen breaks down the skin loses elasticity, sugar helps to speed up this process.

We recommend Metagenics Fatty Acids products because
They are

sourced from small fish using eco fishing and sustainable practices.
Ultra-pure with added antioxidants to preserve oils.
Nitrogen flushed to reduce oxidation of oils.
High potency and concentration for once a day dosing.
Pleasantly flavoured liquids and capsules to reduce fishy taste.