Healthy Fats!
If you don’t eat enough fish, we suggest you supplement with these omega-3 fats that are found in our EFA blend. For instance, scientists tested the hypothesis that 6 weeks of dietary supplementation with DHA (docosahexanoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentanoic acid) enhances exercise-induced increases in brachial artery (the big artery in your arm) diameter and blood flow during rhythmic exercise.(1) Other studies have shown that infants of mothers supplemented with Essential Fatty Acids and DHA had higher mental processing scores, psychomotor development, eye-hand coordination and stereo acuity at 4 years of age. Intake of EFA and DHA during preschool years may also have a beneficial role in the prevention of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and enhancing learning capability and academic performance.(2) These beneficial effects of n-3 fatty acids have also been shown in the secondary prevention of coronary heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and, in some patients with renal disease, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.(3) Most of the studies were carried out with fish oils [eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)]. However, alpha-linolenic acid, found in green leafy vegetables, flaxseed, rapeseed, and walnuts, desaturates and elongates in the human body to EPA and DHA and by itself may have beneficial effects in health and in the control of chronic diseases.(3)
Other research has shown that gamma-linolenic acid (found in evening primrose oil and borage oil) may be useful in treating various chronic disease states due to its anti-inflammatory actions.(4)
The bottom line: It is important, especially if you are on a low-fat diet, to consume an essential fatty acid blend. It will support your heart, brain, and overall body function.
References
1. Walser B, Giordano RM, Stebbins CL. Supplementation with omega-3
polyunsaturated fatty acids augments brachial artery dilation and blood
flow during forearm contraction. Eur J Appl Physiol 2006.
2. Singh M. Essential fatty acids, DHA and human brain. Indian J Pediatr
2005;72:239-42.
3. Simopoulos AP. Essential fatty acids in health and chronic disease.
Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70:560S-569S.
4. Fan YY, Chapkin RS. Importance of dietary gamma-linolenic acid in
human health and nutrition. J Nutr 1998;128:1411-4.