Alexandra Worsley
Essential Fatty Acids
We can't stress enough how important fats are for basic health. Essential Fatty Acids are fats that we must obtain through our diet as our body is unable to make them, hence the name "essential". They are required for the healthy functioning of every single cell in our body, and scientific research has also linked them to maintaining healthy blood pressure, decreased blood clotting, improved immune function, support for friendly gut bacteria, as well as mental and heart health.
In recent times, low fat diets have been popular and we were told that too much fat can lead to weight gain. This has led to many of us avoiding foods containing fat to the detriment of our health. It is important to differentiate between beneficial and non-beneficial fats. Saturated fats and transfats found in processed and highly fried foods are the kind we should still limit, and in the case of transfats, avoid. Saturated fats are found in high quantities in red meat and full fat dairy and transfats can be found in sweets, pastries, cakes and biscuits. Our body is unable to utilise these fats and stores them in our body where they can interfere with important functions that keep us healthy.
The 2 most important essential fatty acids are omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) and omega-6 (linoleic acid) Omega 3 oil in particular can be lacking in many of our diets, in particular in the form of what are known as long chain fatty acids, DHA and EPA. We need this mainly for blood vessel flexibility, reducing inflammation, hormone production and weight loss. We can obtain this through oily fish such as salmon, tuna (fresh not tinned), sardines, mackerel and herring. Flaxseed (linseed) and walnuts, hemp seeds and pumpkin seeds are also rich sources of omega-3, although this needs to be converted by the body into DHA and EPA and some people are unable to do this.
Omega-6 oils are found in evening primrose, starflower and nut and seed oils. This helps maintain healthy blood pressure and maintain blood sugar levels. We generally obtain sufficient, if not too much, as it is present in non-hydrogenated vegetable oils that are used in many processed foods and home cooking. They can also be found in nuts and seeds. It is argued that a ratio of 3:1 omega-6 to omega 3 is optimal.
Omega-7 is a not so well known but it can be very beneficial to skin health and can be found in good amounts in sea buckthorn berries. It may also useful for alleviating dry skin, eyes, mouth and vaginal dryness.
Some of the symptoms associated with a deficiency in essential fatty acids include dry skin and eyes, mood swings and poor mental health, exhaustion, inflammatory conditions (eg arthritis, psoriasis, eczema), allergies, cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline.
Flax Seed Oil
Flax oil is rich in Omega 3 and cantherefore be very beneficial to heart health with research linking it to lower cholesterol, reduced blood pressure and reduced blood clotting.
Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp is the only seed that contains GLA (it is also present in evening primrose oil, blackcurrant oil and borage oil) and can therefore be useful for treating PMS and there have also been positive studies on the effects of hempseed oil on eczema.
Black Seed Oil
Black seed has been used as a natural remedy to support a reduction in symptoms of many diseases including certain allergies such as allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma and atopic eczema.
Pumpkin Seed Oil
Native Americans have used pumpkin seeds therapeutically for hundreds of years to aid parasite elimination and a number of kidney and urinary tract disorders. It is an excellent source of essential fatty acids and antioxidants, containing good levels of Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant and especially beneficial for healthy skin.
Sources:
Hazel Courteney (2009) 500 Of The Most Important Health Tips You'll Ever Need, CICO Books, London
Patrick Holford (2004) New Optimum Nutrition Bible, Piatkus Books Ltd, London
Here at Alexandra Worsley, we can support and guide you with advice on which products and lifestyle changes we consider would be best for you. Just ask! Email us or call 0161 439 9856 or pop into the shop for a FREE shop floor consultation. If we can't help immediately, we have a team of therapists who can help, particularly in more complex cases. We always recommend that with any health condition, you consult with your GP in the first instance.
Viridian Joint Omega Oil (200 mls)
An oil blend of chilli, ginger, turmeric & pomegranate for the maintenance of healthy joints....
£13.75
Lamberts Pure Fish Oil 1100mg (60/120 capsules)
A pure fish oil providing 700mg omega 3 fatty acids with 360mg of EPA and 240mg of DHA....
£10.40
Eskimo-3 with Vitamin E (capsules/liquid)
An excellent quality fish oil, we prefer the liquid for it's higher EPA and DHA content....
£13.75
Eskimo Brainsharp (120caps/210ml)
A stable omega-3 fish body oil which also contains vitamin D, E, GLA and CoQ 10 to support healthy brain...
£28.75
Viridian 100% Organic Golden Flaxseed Oil (200/500ml)
100% Organic Golden Flaxseed Oil, a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids....
£8.14
Viridian 100% Organic Hempseed Oil (200/500ml)
100% organic hempseed oil - a rich source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids....
£9.55
Viridian 100% Organic Omega 3:6:9 (30/200ml)
A blend of omega-3, 6 and 9 fatty acids for everyday use. Great added to smoothies....
£3.94
Viridian 100% Organic Blackseed Oil (200ml)
Organic blackseed oil extracted from nigella sativa provides a source of omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids....
£15.50
Viridian 100% Organic Pumpkin Seed Oil (200ml)
100% organic pumpkin seed oil, a rich source of omega-6 plus omega-3 fatty acids....
£9.60
Natures Aid Flaxseed Oil 1000mg (90 capsules)
Natures Aid Flaxseed Oil capsules contain only the finest cold pressed and filtered oil which provides a ...
£7.48
Udo's Choice Ultimate Oil Blend (250ml/500ml/90caps)
The ultimate source of omega 3, 6 & 9 and the UK's market leading nutritional oil blend is recommended by...
£10.99
Pharma Nord Bio Fish Oil 1000mg (80/160 caps)
AN ALEXANDRA WORSLEY FAVOURITE. Omega 3 fatty acids which help support a healthy heart and arteries, th...
£7.24
