Essential Fatty Acid’s (EFA’s) 101

EFA’s are fatty acids that cannot be made by the body and must be supplied through our diet. EFA’s can support your body by lowering inflammation, cholesterol levels and blood pressure and to reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes.

EFA’s are vital for healthy skin, hair and nails. As key structural components of cell walls, they ensure the flexibility of cells, which gives our skin it’s smoothness and suppleness.

Omega 6 (linoleic acid)

Sources are: Sunflower, safflower, corn, soybean oils, primrose and black currant oil all contain high amounts of linoleic acid.
Omega 6 is widely available in the North American dietary supply, so deficiencies are rare.

Omega 3 (alpha-linolenic acid)

Sources are: Flaxseed, walnuts, hemp, free-range eggs, green leafy vegetables, pumpkin seeds and deep-sea fish. Salmon, mackerel, herrings and sardines are good sources because they have the highest fat content and provide more omega-3 fats than other fish.

In North America the intake ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 is generally believed to be least 10:1, health experts believe the ideal ratio the one human beings evolved with is 1:3.

Incorporate more Omega 3’s in to your daily diet for optimal health. Here at Moyer Total Wellness we carry a high quality line of liquid Omega 3.

Please schedule a nutrition session with our nutritionist Jessica to learn more and discuss your nutritional needs.