The List goes on for Essential Fatty Acids

Are you still with me on the fatty acids? I hope you are because there are just soooooo many functions these oils do for our bodies! I'm not letting up!

Who would think they play a crucial role in the digestive tract. They influence the structure of the cells lining the intestinal tract, as well as the "villi" in the gut, through which the absorption of nutrients takes place by increasing the thickness and surface area of the digestive-absorptive cells that make up the insides of our intestines. This results in improved digestion, better absorption of nutrients, less absorption of allergens, and overall better health. When you are in better health you can diet and exercise effectively without being so tired.

Other continuing studies are finding that compounds in essential fatty acids can block tumor formation in animals, and test-tube studies have documented that omega-3 fatty acids can inhibit the growth of human breast cancer cells.

And new moms listen up! Fatty acids are the most abundant fat in breast milk vital to infants because of their ability to nourish a child’s growing brain and eye development. Omega-3 fat is important for connecting brain cells to each other and making sure brain signals transmission gets through adequately, especially with smaller children and infants.

Low levels of omega-3 fatty acids have alosd been linked to an increase in dementia, mood changes, memory loss, and visual problems. In a Swedish study, elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease were found to have lower levels of the omegas than healthy older people. Studies done at Purdue University showed that children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder had lower levels of these essential fatty acids.

A diet low in essential fatty acids could result in skin problems such as dandruff, eczema, splitting nails, and dull, brittle hair.

In fact, according to Michael Murray, ND and Joseph Pizzorno, ND well-known and respected Doctors of Naturopathic Medicine, related that research indicates that over 60 health conditions may benefit from EFA supplementation. and I've only touched on a few this week alone.

I'll give a break for a few days and then go into why so many people are deficient in these oils and how to determine your individual needs for them..