Essential Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids, also known as “EFAs” play a positive role in a myriad of female reproductive disorders like premenstrual syndrome, viral and yeast infections, infertility, as well as food allergy and immune disorders.

These are also responsible for strengthening our cell membranes, which are our bodies’ first defense against infections. These are helpful in lubricating our skin, tissues, and allow cell membranes to function normally. Some may also help our brain and nervous systems to function properly.

Now, the word “fat” or “oil” is simply something that we avoid in our diet. We are afraid that our food will be laden with unnecessary fat and oil that can clog our arteries, so we opt to get “low-fat” foods. The key thing here is to understand the there are certain fats and oils that our bodies need to be able to function.

Do you know that deficiency in these nutrients can affect our moods, which increases our risk to develop a mood disorder such as, depression or anxiety? So to avoid that, we can include our daily diet with nuts, seeds and vegetables oils which can provide the EFAs that our bodies need. We can also select from the best sources that include flax, hemp, walnut, pumpkin and soybean oils. Generally, we need approximately two teaspoons daily of these essential fatty acids, which can come from any of the previously mentioned sources.

As a key point to remember, it is important to distinguish “good fat and oils” from bad ones. If we eat fatty foods that are in their whole natural state like flax seeds, fresh fish, and whole corn, then these are considered better souces than processed foods.