Essential fatty acids have many functions throughout the body. They are involved in:
- Energy production. In a study with athletes in Denmark, it was shown that within one month of giving athletes one tablespoon per 50 pounds of body weight per day of an oil blend with an Omega-3: Omega-6 ratio of 2:1, stamina increased by up to 40 or even 60%. Athletes could exercise longer before reaching exhaustion, recovered more quickly from fatigue, could exercise more often without over-training, healed quicker from injuries, built muscle faster, and had less joint pain.
- Brain Function. In work with the blended oil, consistent improvements were seen in brain function, and research with EFAs from other sources has also shown brain benefits. Among these are elevated mood, lifted depression, increased calmness, better handling of stress, less hyperactivity, better focus, better mental processing, faster learning, increased intelligence, better concentration, and improved motor coordination.
EFAs are also required for vision.
- Skin, Hair, and Nails. EFAs are required for healthy skin and hair, and are required for normal nail growth. They moisturize skin and prevent dryness.
- Cancer. Omega-3 EFAs may lower cancer risk.
- Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). Omega 3 can decrease most CVD risk factors, including high triglycerides (blood fats), blood pressure, platelet stickiness, fibrinogen, and lipoprotein(a). N-3 also keep the inside of our arteries smooth. N-3 and n-6 keep the heart beat regular.
- Diabetes. EFAs are required for insulin function. Omega-3 make diabetics more insulin-sensitive.
- Weight Management. Omega-6 slightly and Omega-3 more effectively help reduce fat production in the body. They also increase fat burning and heat production in the body, and shift the body from burning glucose to burning fats. Saturated, monounsaturated, and trans- fatty acids do not help to manage weight. Sugar triggers increased fat production in the body. Starch can also lead to overweight.
- Digestion. EFAs improve gut integrity, decrease gut inflammation, and decrease 'leaky gut' that can lead to allergies.
- Allergies. EFAs reduce symptoms of allergies. They work best if digestive enzymes rich in protein-digesting protease are also used.
- Inflammation. Omega-3 reduce inflammation. Digestive enzymes are also helpful.
- Autoimmune Conditions. Omega-3 dampen the over-response of the immune system in autoimmune conditions. Again, enzymes are also helpful.
- Injury. EFAs speed the healing of injuries.
- Bone Minerals. Omega 3 oils improve bone mineral retention, thereby inhibiting the development of osteoporosis.
- Stress. EFAs, by optimizing serotonin production, improve response to stress. People report feeling calmer, getting stressed less easily, dealing with stressful situations more calmly, and losing their temper less often.
- Sleep. EFAs improve sleep in some people.
- Hormones. EFAs improve hormone functions. Hormone levels may decrease, yet the effects of hormones remain normal. EFAs thereby ease the work load of glands.
- Organs. EFAs are required for liver and kidney function.
- Reproduction. EFAs are required for sperm formation, the female cycle, and pregnancy.
Keith Abell, RPh MI
Pharmacist - Senior Executive Marketing Director
