Why should I increase my Omega fatty acid intake?
Essential fatty acid intake has decreased over the last century due to the addition of corn, sunflower, safflower, sesame and other Omega-6 oils to our food supply. Our ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 should be close to 1:1, but it is now over 10:1 and up to 20:1. This drastic change may be a leading factor in the gowing number of chronic medical conditions including arthritis, cardiovascular disease, asthma, acne, obesity and depression. It is apparent we need to increase our intake of Omega-3 fatty acids and decrease our intake of Omega-6 (linoleic acid) oils to ultimately look and feel healthier.

[Read More] [Read Less]

What are good fats and bad fats?
Fat, a concentrated source of energy, is particularly used in large quantities in the brain and nervous system. There are two types of fat: unsaturated fats are commonly referred to as "good" fats, and should make up the greatest percentage of your fat intake, and saturated are considered "bad." Good unsaturated fats are part of the essential fats: omega 3 and omega 6.

What are EPA and DHA?
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) are two specific essential fatty acids found in fish oil. They have been well documented in regulating cellular functions and promoting good health. Diets deficient in these two acids have been associated with a number of health problems, specifically cardiovascular disease.

What is GLA and how is it different from other Omega-6 sources?
GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid) is an Omega-6 fatty acid found in borage oil, and in black currant and evening primrose oils. The presence of GLA in borage oil results in very different physiological effects than that of the sunflower, safflower and other Omega-6 oils. Linoleic acid in its current dietary excess promotes inflammation due to the production of arachidonic acid (AA), but GLA actually interferes with the production of AA and decreases inflammation. GLA has been used to successfully treat various medical conditions, most notably rheumatoid arthritis and eczema.

Essential fatty acid supplements, along with proper diet and exercise, help us be healthy, happy and fit with enough energy for work and for play. The majority of us are not consuming enough of these truly essential good fats.

Sources of Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fats:
• Flaxseeds and green leafy vegetables are great sources of Omega 3.
• Sesame and sunflower seeds and other seeds and nuts are great sources of Omega 6.
• Borage oil and evening primrose oil are rich sources of GLA which is part of the Omega 6 essential fats.
• Cold Water fish such as Salmon (coho, king and pink), sardines, cod, albacore tuna, trout, halibut , herring. (these fish are also a great source of Omega 6, but are predominantly richer in Omega 3)

Where do saturated fats come from?
Saturated fats contain large amounts of saturated fatty acids named so because they are "saturated" with hydrogen, meaning they have only single bonds between carbon atoms, leaving no room in their chemical structure for additional hydrogen atoms. Butter, coconut and palm oils and lard make up some of these types of fat.

Benefits
• aid in balancing the autoimmune system
• treats skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis
• cardiovascular health