The Scoop on EFAs

We all know that for optimal health, we have to cut the fat.  This means eat less saturated and hydrogenated fats that come from processed and unhealthy, high calorie foods.  Very simple.

Yet, certain fats are actually essential for good health.  In particular, essential fatty acids such as omega 3, 6 and 9 (EFA).

Although EFA are labeled as “fats,” keep in mind that they are “essential,” beca your body requires them in order to function.  However, your body cannot manu EFA on its own.  They need to be acquired through diet and/or supplement.

Deficiencies in EFA can contribute to conditions such as:

skin disorders
constipation
fatigue
depression
weight gain
brittle hair, hair loss
compromised immune system
digestion problems
inflammation
allergies

A proper balance of EFA can increase energy and overall well-being, reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as alleviate symptoms of hypertension, depression, ADHD, joint pain, and arthritis.  EFA can also improve brain function, strengthen the immune system, increase healing capabilities and assist with weight loss.

So, how do we incorporate EFA into our diet? 

Foods high in EFA include:

nuts and seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and pine nuts
avocados
oily fish, such as herring, mackerel, and anchovies
oils, such as flax, hemp, coconut and olive oil

Many people have a hard time incorporating these foods into their daily diets.  If this is the case, seek out a high-quality EFA supplement.

In terms of general health, one important thing to realize about these “fats” is that they do NOT make you fat.  Body fat is produced when we take in more calories than our bodies are able to burn.  In fact, these healthy fats actually fill us up and stabilize blood sugar, helping us to eat less!  The good fats increase fat burning and decrease body fat production.

So, know your fats.  The bad ones can be your worst enemy.  But the good ones can be the most important component of a healthy diet.  Seek out the healthy ones and make sure to get plenty of them every day.