Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are fatty acid's your body
cannot produce on its own so they must come from your diet. The two
primary EFAs are known as linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic
acid (omega-3).
Essential Fatty Acids are necessary for:
- Formation of healthy cell membranes
- Proper development and functioning of the brain and nervous system
- Proper thyroid and adrenal activity
- Hormone production
- Regulation of blood pressure, liver function, immune and inflammatory responses
- Regulation of blood clotting: Omega-6's encourage blood clot
formation, whereas Omega-3 oil reduces clotting. The idea is to achieve
a balance between omega-6 and omega-3's
- Crucial for the transport and breakdown of cholesterol
- Support healthy skin and hair
The best source of all your fats is a wide variety of healthy whole plant foods. The top foods with essential fatty acids are:
- nuts and seeds
- avocados
- whole grains
Sources of Omega 3’s include wild caught salmon, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, and dark green
veggies, such as kale, collards, chard, parsley, and cereal grasses
(wheat & barley grasses), are also good sources. This is because all
green (chlorophyll-rich) foods contain Omega-3 in their
chloroplasts.
Sources of Omega-6 fatty acids include nuts, seeds, grains, legumes, and dairy.
How do EFA's assist with weight loss?
Essential Fatty Acids help:
- Makes us slim and keep
us slim by behaving like the hormones that increase our body's capacity
to burn fat, as well as decrease visceral fat (fat that protects our organs).
- Suppress appetite.
- Minimizes blood sugar swings, which increase fat production, food cravings and loss of energy that lead to carb and sugars cravings.
-
Decreases inflammation and water retention.
-
Boosts our energy levels throughout the day - which, amongst other
things - increases your chances of going out for that run, making it to
the gym or doing that extra lap of the pool!
-
Increases the stimulation of the brain to create happier moods and lift
depression - making us less likely to reach for the crisps and
chocolates!
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