Omega-6 Polyunsatrates and Omega-3 Super Polyunsaturates” are long-chain fatty acids missing four or more hydrogen atoms and contain more than one double bond between carbon atoms in their chain. They are more unstable than the monounsaturated fatty acid, easily damaged during heating, and remain liquid. Omega-3 Super Polyunsaturates have fewer hydrogen atoms and are more fluid than regular Omega-6 Polyunsaturates.
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS IN BALANCE
Fatty acids are the building blocks of fats, much like amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. Of 20 specific fatty acids used by the human body to function normally, only two cannot be produced by the body. Thus, they are called Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) and must be obtained in proper balance through diet or supplements. These two EFAs are Omega-3
Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) and Omega-6 Linoleic Acid (LA). EPA and DHA are derivatives of ALA, which are converted in the correct proportions at the right time for their vital functions.
Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) is a derivative of LA. GLA can sometimes mimic and augment the effects of Omega-3 fatty acids within the body. It is found in high quantities in evening primrose oil.
Arachidonic acid (ARA), another derivative of LA, is the precursor of prostaglandins and involved in the inflammation process.
Other fats, such as Omega-9 Oleic Acid/Monounsaturated fats and Saturated fats, are nonessential fatty acids (NEFA) because they can be produced provided the EFAs are present.
In their book Omega-3 Oils: A Practical Guide, Donald Rudin, MD, and Clara
Felix point out that most Omega-3 studies used fish oil. In contrast, Dr. Rudin’s studies found better results with flaxseed oil. This is because flaxseed oil starts with the plant form of ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), whereas fish oil contains the animal form, EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid). The body makes its own EPA and DHA through enzyme conversions from ALA. Although some claim that the amount of DHA made is small, the body does not need much DHA. Most DHA is contained in cell membranes and is held there with little replacement. In contrast, ALA and compounds made from it are essential for many bodily functions. Fish oil cannot provide ALA. Therefore it deprives the consumer of this critical compound.
For a person that is parasympathetic dominant or has a delta-6-desaturase enzyme defect that deprives the body of making the enzymatic conversion from ALA, the animal source of Omega-3 may be a better option. If unsure, it is best to provide both vegetable and animal sources of Omega-3. Dr. Mercola claims krill oil is superior to fish oil because it contains vitamins E, A, and D and astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant. Research has shown that the antioxidant potency of krill oil is, in terms of ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) values, 48 times more potent than fish oil.
The EFAs are one of the basic food groups necessary for life. Yet surveys have shown that over 60 percent of the North American population is deficient in EFA’s, especially Omega-3 (ALA). Similar statistics exist in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific region, where the fast/junk food diet, high in toxic LA/omega-6 oils, has been adopted. The EFAs are vital for normal brain development and function from conception to death. Omega-3 deficiencies are linked to decreased memory and mental abilities, depression, tingling sensation of the nerves, poor vision, increased tendency to form blood clots, diminished immune function, increased triglycerides and cholesterol (LDL) levels, impaired membrane function, hypertension, irregular heartbeat, learning disorders, menopausal discomfort, itchiness on the front of the lower leg(s), infertility, and growth retardation in infants and children.
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS CREATE BEAUTY
Consumption of these EFAs in balance is a major factor in creating beauty. Before WW11, most diets of pregnant women and children were relatively free of damaged fats/oils and supplemented with cod liver oil to provide the EFAs. Old movies and photographs reveal the beautiful bone structures, teeth, and body shapes these people developed. In contrast, deficiencies of EFAs within one generation produced deformities such as narrow foreheads, faces, and dental arches, along with stunted growth. The benefits of EFAs and defects from deficiencies of EFAs are also clearly evidenced in the invaluable book “Nutrition and Physical Degeneration” by Weston A. Price, DDS. www.westonaprice.org.
Omega-3 fat and its derivative, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), contained in breast milk, is vital for an infant’s ability to form myelin - a specialized membrane that protects the nerves. It is also essential for the normal development of the central nervous system and brain. When an infant is fed a formula devoid of the EFAs, or a nursing mother is deficient in the EFAs, premature births are more prevalent, and the child’s nervous and immune systems may never fully develop. Their IQ is also significantly lower. These conditions are common among consumers living on junk food and extreme vegetarian diets, which are EFA deficient. Sadly, these deficiencies can cause mental retardation or a lifetime of unexplained emotional, learning, or immune system disorders. I believe children with EFAs deficiencies are vulnerable when vaccinated, making them more susceptible to ADHD, retardation, and behavioral problems. Studies have shown these children have an altered fatty acid metabolism. An EFAs deficiency could explain why some children are damaged from vaccination toxicity (e.g. adjuncts), while others are not.
Fats also protect from viral and bacterial infections. The best insurance a mother can provide for her baby is to consume quality EFAs in balance before, during, and after her pregnancy while nursing. Plus, a child should be nourished with the EFAs in balance throughout its development. To learn about the pros and cons of vaccinations from independent sources/science, CHD, AVN, and Vaccination Decisions (Dr. Judy Wilyman, PhD) are three good places to start.
EFAs ARE CRITICAL FOR THYROID FUNCTION AND THE MANUFACTURE OF PROSTAGLANDINS
EFAs are critical to thyroid function and required for receptor function. EFAs, especially Omega-3s, improve the efficiency of hormones on the receptor sites. This mechanism also occurs with other hormonal functions of the ovaries, testes, pineal, and adrenal glands.
One of the most critical roles of EFAs is the manufacture of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like compounds that regulate every function in the human body at the molecular level. Each cell needs a daily amount of EFAs in balance to produce prostaglandins because the body does not store them. Prostaglandins regulate the cardiovascular, digestive, reproductive, and nervous systems. Prostaglandins also:
• Improve brain function, including mood, intelligence, and behavior.
• Alleviate depression.
• Function as an anti-inflammatory catalyst in rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
• Inhibit cancer cell growth.