All Fats are not Created Equal

The quality of the fats that we consume in our diet has become a commonly discussed topic of late and thankfully many people understand that all fats are not created equal. The most important fats (EPA, DHA, Omega 3,6 and 9 Essential Fatty Acids) have a profound impact on many facets of our overall health and well-being. But satisfying our need for EFA is no easy task. Even the most sensible diet often falls short, no matter how carefully we select our foods. With the best of intentions, few of us consume the recommended 3-5 servings of fish per week or get adequate fresh plant seed oils. To further complicate matters, fish in particular are becoming more and more contaminated with heavy metals and chemical pollutants making their consumption a cause for concern. So what’s the solution?


The Need for a Comprehensive EFA Supplement

To begin with, remember that Essential Fatty Acids are just that, they’re essential. EFA cannot be produced or synthesized in our bodies and must be supplied entirely from dietary sources. They are an essential nutrient just like vitamins, minerals and the key amino acids and they are a component of each and every one of our cells.

Essential Fatty Acids fall into three main categories – Omega 3, Omega 6, and Omega 9. In the case of Omega 3, it is often the EFA that we are the most deficient in. While many commonly consumed foods contain a respectable amount of alpha-linoleic acid (Omega 6) and gamma-linolenic acid (Omega 9) only a handful of plant seed oils offer much in the way of alpha-linolenic acid (Omega 3). With all plant based sources of Omega 3 it must first be converted into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It is this form of Omega 3 that our bodies actually utilize. The conversion into EPA and DHA primarily takes place in our liver. Unfortunately this process is less than perfect and only a fraction of the alpha-linolenic acid (Omega 3) that we ingest is converted into EPA and DHA. Fish oil has already been converted into EPA and DHA and is present in its most absorbable form. While plant seed oils offer tremendous secondary health benefits and they certainly act synergistically with fish oils there is no comparison when it comes to the amount of usable EPA and DHA that each one offers. Fish oils are by far the most potent source.

With numerous choices available on the market today, it can become overwhelming trying to choose an EFA supplement that best suits your needs. Here are a number of key elements that you should look for and some to avoid.


Molecularly distilled, Wild Caught, Cold Water Fish Oils

Wild caught fish such as sardine, anchovy, mackerel, krill, arctic cod and herring are cleaner and less contaminated in part due to their low position in the food chain. They contain lower amounts of contaminants and pollutants and much higher levels of the beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids than farm-raised fish. Cold-water fish are the richest source of EPA and DHA. Molecularly distilled fish oils contain high concentrations of active ingredients, without the undesirable contaminants, while preserving the health promoting properties of the oil.


Plant Oils

Plant oils such as organic flax seed oil, non-GMO organic lecithin and cold processed wheat germ oil offer tremendous health benefits and act synergistically with fish oils. Flax oil is the richest plant source of EFA, especially Omega 3. It contains lignans (fibrous plant compounds) that have many anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Lecithin helps regulate cholesterol and provides cardiovascular and immune system protection. Wheat germ oil improves colon function, nourishes the skin, lowers cholesterol, boosts immune function and support healthy cardiovascular function.


AVOID ONE-A-DAY SUPPLEMENTS

Our bodies are not designed to utilize nutrients in one large single dose. Research has proven that eating smaller, more frequent meals allows for better utilization of the nutritional value of our food. The same principle applies to the supplements we consume. Divided doses ensure that we have a constant supply of nutrients throughout the day for improved absorption.

• Individualized Formulas
  Traditional EFA supplements are generic in nature and contain a basic combination of a few sources of essential fatty acids. Unfortunately, the nutritional needs of contemporary men and women are anything but basic. Gender, stress levels, age and exercise all affect your nutritional status and your supplementation should answer to these differences. Individualized formulas will target the unique nutritional demands of a contemporary lifestyle.



• Adult Women
  For women, a comprehensive EFA supplement is necessary to support healthy hormone function, prevent pre-mature aging, and promote healthy heart and brain function, just to name a few. Specifically women should look for gender-specific formulas to satisfy their unique health concerns. Evening Primrose Oil helps balance hormones, promotes healthy skin and lowers cholesterol. Vitamin E promotes and protects proper heart and cardiovascular function. CLA accelerates the fat burning process, predominantly targeting abdominal fat. Cranberry extract supports healthy urinary tract function and has been linked to breast health. Support nutrients for enhanced uptake and EPA/DHA conversion are also important.
  
• Adult Men
  For men, a comprehensive EFA supplement is necessary to support healthy prostate, brain and cardiovascular function, and maintain healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Pumpkin seed oil powder, saw palmetto oil and pygeum extract support and promote healthy prostate function. Guggulipids help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and improve body composition by promoting the reduction of body fat. Vitamin E promotes and protects proper heart and cardiovascular function. Alpha Lipoic Acid is a potent antioxidant that helps balance blood sugar levels and enhance energy production. Support nutrients for enhanced uptake and EPA/DHA conversion round out a more “complete” EFA supplement.