Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's)
It is vitally important that our diets contain essential fatty acids (EFA's), known as Omega-3 and Omega-6. It has been thought that 90% of British people are deficient in these vital fats resulting in problems such as dry and flaky skin, dull and weak hair and brittle nails.
Besides the compromise to our outward appearance problems such as: water retention, decreased energy, reduced immunity levels, attention deficit, food cravings and allergies. Also deficiency in EFA's has been linked to hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease, male sterility, arthritis, cancer and many other potentially life threatening illnesses.
Commonly found foods containing EFA's:
Omega-3's: flax seed, hemp seed, walnuts, soy, fish such as mackerel and sardines and omega-3 enriched eggs.
Omega-6's: seeds such as sunflower, sesame, pumpkin, and hemp, walnuts, soybeans and evening primrose oil.
It is recommended that you have two servings of oily fish per week and that you limit the intake of processed vegetable oils, margarines, and processed foods.
Omega-6's and omega-3's are recommended to be taken in the ratio of 2:1 to 3:1
