ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS (EFAs) - Recent Research Findings and Health
Benefits
The two largest categories of fatty acids are - Omega 3 and Omega 6 groups.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids (e.g. alpha-linolenic acid) Found in oily fish, linseed or flax
oil, hemp oil, soybean oil, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, dark green vegetables.
Omega 6 Fatty Acids (e.g. linoleic acid) These EFA's are in polyunsaturated fats
and are found in unrefined safflower, corn, meat, sesame and sunflower oils. They
both are essential for optimal health!
EFAs like Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) are
derived from different sources, and are a part of several chains of metabolic
events in the body that prevents disease, assist the transport and uptake of
oxygen, maintain brain function, maintain the immune system, cardiovascular
health and keep hormone levels where they should be as we age. EFA
deficiencies in today's society are directly associated with cardiovascular
disease, cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and other degenerative conditions.
The diet in the west ranges from between 10 - 20 to 1 in favor of omega 6, which
is not good for health. We are eating too much omega 6 fat and not enough
omega 3 fats. This increase and excessive intake of omega 6 can cause
increased water retention, raised blood pressure, an increase in allergic
responses and increased blood clotting. .
References and Recent Research Findings
Anti-tumor Effect
Leitzmann et al followed a cohort of 47 866 US men aged 40-75 with no cancer
history in 1986 for 14 years. During this period, 2965 new cases of total prostate
cancer were ascertained, 448 of which were at advanced level. They found that
EPA and DHA intakes were related to lower prostate cancer risk. [Leitzmann et
al, NIH, USA. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Jul;80(1):204-16.]
Anti-stress, Anti-inflammatory and Anti-anxiety Effects
Song et al fed groups of rats with various combinations of coconut oil, soy bean
oil and EPA. They then induced stress to the rats; they found that food enriched
with ethyl-EPA significantly attenuated most of the stress-responses, such as
reduced body weight, reduced time spent on maze... [Song et al, University of
British Columbia, Canada. Stress. 2004 Mar;7(1):43-54.]
Protection from Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
Wijendran et al reviewed epidemiological and clinical studies and concluded that
the n-6 fatty acid, linoleic acid (LA), and the n-3 fatty acid, linolenic acid (LNA),
EPA and DHA collectively protect against CHD. LA rdownregulates LDL-C
production and enhances its clearance. On the other hand, n-3 fatty acids, EPA
and DHA, are potent antiarryhthmic agents. EPA and DHA also improve vascular
endothelial function and help lower blood pressure, platelet sensitivity, and the
serum triglyceride level. [Wijendran et al. Brandeis University, USA. Annu Rev
Nutr. 2004;24:597-615.]
Benefits
The two largest categories of fatty acids are - Omega 3 and Omega 6 groups.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids (e.g. alpha-linolenic acid) Found in oily fish, linseed or flax
oil, hemp oil, soybean oil, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, dark green vegetables.
Omega 6 Fatty Acids (e.g. linoleic acid) These EFA's are in polyunsaturated fats
and are found in unrefined safflower, corn, meat, sesame and sunflower oils. They
both are essential for optimal health!
EFAs like Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) are
derived from different sources, and are a part of several chains of metabolic
events in the body that prevents disease, assist the transport and uptake of
oxygen, maintain brain function, maintain the immune system, cardiovascular
health and keep hormone levels where they should be as we age. EFA
deficiencies in today's society are directly associated with cardiovascular
disease, cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and other degenerative conditions.
The diet in the west ranges from between 10 - 20 to 1 in favor of omega 6, which
is not good for health. We are eating too much omega 6 fat and not enough
omega 3 fats. This increase and excessive intake of omega 6 can cause
increased water retention, raised blood pressure, an increase in allergic
responses and increased blood clotting. .
References and Recent Research Findings
Anti-tumor Effect
Leitzmann et al followed a cohort of 47 866 US men aged 40-75 with no cancer
history in 1986 for 14 years. During this period, 2965 new cases of total prostate
cancer were ascertained, 448 of which were at advanced level. They found that
EPA and DHA intakes were related to lower prostate cancer risk. [Leitzmann et
al, NIH, USA. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Jul;80(1):204-16.]
Anti-stress, Anti-inflammatory and Anti-anxiety Effects
Song et al fed groups of rats with various combinations of coconut oil, soy bean
oil and EPA. They then induced stress to the rats; they found that food enriched
with ethyl-EPA significantly attenuated most of the stress-responses, such as
reduced body weight, reduced time spent on maze... [Song et al, University of
British Columbia, Canada. Stress. 2004 Mar;7(1):43-54.]
Protection from Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
Wijendran et al reviewed epidemiological and clinical studies and concluded that
the n-6 fatty acid, linoleic acid (LA), and the n-3 fatty acid, linolenic acid (LNA),
EPA and DHA collectively protect against CHD. LA rdownregulates LDL-C
production and enhances its clearance. On the other hand, n-3 fatty acids, EPA
and DHA, are potent antiarryhthmic agents. EPA and DHA also improve vascular
endothelial function and help lower blood pressure, platelet sensitivity, and the
serum triglyceride level. [Wijendran et al. Brandeis University, USA. Annu Rev
Nutr. 2004;24:597-615.]
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