Treats 4 Tots
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Joined: 17 May 2005
Posts: 28
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 Posted: Tue May 17, 2005 3:52 pm Post subject: What are EFA's? |
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EFA's are Essential Fatty Acids. They are called essential because they are essential for life and health. The two key EFA's we need to consume are linolenic acid (omega 3 fatty acid) and linoleic acid (omega 6 fatty acid) - they can be supplied only by food and supplements.
As per Dr Sears...
| Quote: | ESSENTIAL FATS
Fatty acids are the basic building blocks and the main nutritional component of fats. The body requires about twenty fatty acids in order to live and operate. It can make all but two of these: linolenic and linoleic. These two are called "essential fatty acids" because they are essential for life and health. However, the human body cannot make these substances; they can be supplied only by food or supplements. EFAs occur mostly in seafood and plant foods, with only trace amounts found in meat.
Fat Tip #2: It's essential to eat EFAs
All about omegas:
The two most important essential fatty acids are linolenic acid (also known as an omega 3 fatty acid) and linoleic acid (also known as an omega 6 fatty acid). The omega number describes where the important carbon atom is located on the fat molecule. If this atom is third from the end, the fatty acid is known as an omega 3 fatty acid (omega 3 is the last letter of the Greek alphabet and means "end"). If it's sixth from the end, it's known as an omega 6 fatty acid (vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds). Omega 3 fatty acids especially have a valuable role in reducing the risk of heart disease and building healthy brain cells. The standard American diet (SAD) is sadly deficient in omega 3s, found mainly in plant foods (especially canola oil and flax oil, soybeans, and walnuts) and seafood.
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS - ESSENTIAL FOR WELL-BEING
American families need more than a lowfat diet. They need a "right fat diet" that includes essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids benefit the body in the following ways:
-Lowers the risk of breast and colon cancer
-Improve learning and attention span in school-children
-Improve cognitive function in the elderly
-Elevate mood, resulting in less depression
-Lower the risk of cardiovascular disease
-Promote healthy skin
-Improve vision, especially night vision |
For a more in-depth look...
Udo Erasmus is an expert when it comes to fats. Here is a link to a very informative lecture called "Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill". To scroll through the lecture, use the links near the top of the page. The lecture is long, but a great base for learning about fats.
Click here to read the indepth lecture on fats |
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