ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS - What are they?
Q. - What are essential fatty acids?
A. - Fats are the third nutrient that supplies energy to the body. The other two nutrient groups are carbohydrates and proteins. Fatty acids are the building blocks of all fats.
- Essential fatty acids (EFA's) must be obtained from a food source or a food supplement because the body cannot produce essential fatty acids (omega 3 and 6) on its own. EFA's are important for intercellular and overall health. They are essential building blocks of every membrane of every cell in the body.
- The major source of the polyunsaturated fats (PUFA) omega 3 and omega 6, as well as omega 9, in our supplements is flaxseed. Flaxseed is the richest vegetable source of omega 3 EFA's. The amount of omega 3 in our supplements is two and one-half times that of omega 6, thereby correcting the all important polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) imbalance of "modern foods."
- Omega 9 (the "olive oil" fatty acid) is not "essential" (the body can make it), but it is definitely among "The Good Fats."
For more information on the benefits of omega 3 and omega 6, please see: Flaxseed in our Ingredients Glossary.
