Essential fatty acids (EFA's) are fats that humans cannot manufacture or synthesize. They must be obtained from our diet. Like minerals & vitamins, they are essential to the body's function. EFA's provide the body with what it needs to manufacture cell membranes. An inadequacy of essential fatty acids is one of the most widespread nutritional deficiencies among humans today.

The cell membrane protects the cell and functions as a "watch dog." It allows certain substances into the cell while rejecting others. If a cell membrane is damaged, the cell may not receive optimum nutrition, or be able to expel harmful waste products efficiently. Continual & cumulative damage to the cell membranes erodes cell health & accelerates aging. Cells do repair cell membranes, but to do this they need essential fatty acids. The primary function of EFA's is production of prostaglandins, hormone like substances that regulate many of the body's functions. Prostaglandins play a role in immune function because of the way they regulate inflammation, a major characteristic of many immune disorders. Prostaglandins both encourage the body to fight infection & prevent the inflammatory response from getting out of control. Essential fatty acids are used to manufacture prostaglandins.

There are two families of EFA's: the Omega 3 & Omega 6. Omega 3 fatty acids are made from Alpha Linolenic Acid, and the Omega 6 fatty acids are made from Linoleic Acid. Consuming both these fatty acids allows the body to make all the essential fat it needs. Both Linolenic Acid and Linoleic Acid are used by the body to manufacture other essential fatty acids. Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids affect growth, vitality, and mental state. They are involved in converting food substances into usable energy, then transporting that energy throughout our bodies. They favorably effect atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, inflammatory disease, & perhaps behavioral disorders.

Flaxseed oil is the world's riches source of omega 3 fatty acids, containing more than double the amount of omega 3 found in an equal quantity of fish oils. Flax seed oil also contains omega 6 fatty acid.