| Essential fatty acids (EFA) | |||||
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- What are essential fatty acids?
- Important essential fatty acids facts
- Why essential fatty acids are important
What are essential fatty acids?
The human body requires essential fatty acids to assist with normal growth and maintenance of cell membranes, to ensure the immune system is working well and to balance the body's hormone levels to a correct and effective level.
The two essential fatty acids are:
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Important essential fatty acids facts
- Essential fatty acids (EFA) help the skin stay youthful and supple
- Essential fatty acids stimulate the growth of the beneficial intestinal bacteria
- EFA assist in ensuring the skin is soft and supple
- Omega 3 fatty acids are extremely important in maintaining a healthy heart and reducing the risk of heart disease
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Why essential fatty acids are important
The essential fatty acids have many important health benefits:
- Omega 3 - these act to decrease LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, regulate inflammatory prostaglandin formation, decrease blood clotting by reducing platelet aggregation and blood viscosity as well as descreasing blood pressure
- Omega 6 - these act as an anti-inflammatory and also reduce insulin resistance
Last reviewed: 14 January 2007 || Last updated: 21 August 2007
Related Articles
references
- Osiecki, Henry, The Nutrient Bible 2002, BioConcepts Publishing
- Osiecki, Henry. The Physician's Handbook of Clinical Nutrition. 6th edition, 2001, BioConcepts Publishing
- Rolfes SR, Pinna K, Whitney E. Understanding Normal and Clinical Nutrition. 7th Edition, 2005. Brooks Cole Publishing
- Tortora GJ, Derrickson BH. Principles of Anatomy & Physiology. 11th edition, 2005. Wiley Publishing
To learn more, go to the following web sites:
- Food Standards Australia and New Zealand
- Dieticians Association of Australia
- Nutrient Reference Values (Australia)
NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
