 
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS
Biochemical and epidemiological evidence suggests
that Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's) are essential elements in a healthy
immune system as well as in proper brain cell functioning. The cell
membrane at neuron synapses is composed almost entirely of fatty
acids. EFA's are needed not only to create nerve cells but for them
to function normally.
EFA's make the membranes of the cells more permeable
where saturated fats make them impermeable. Additionally, EFA's
are needed for the retina in your eye to function properly. Individuals
who are deficient in EFA's, are at risk for learning problems, as
well as behavior and health problems.
Signs of EFA Deficiency include dry skin, loss of
hair, brittle nails, increased susceptibility to infections, dandruff,
frequent urination, irritability, soft nails, allergies, weakness,
fatigue, excessive thirst, poor wound healing, cracked skin on heels
or fingertips.
Omega-6's are found in raw pumpkinseeds, sunflower
seeds, walnuts, almonds and pecans.
Omega-3's are found in flaxseed oil and fish oils.
Dried beans such as kidney, red, pinto, nay and soybeans
are rich in Omega _3 and 6's.
Your body can not produce EFA's, therefore it is essential
that they are an active part of your diet. Although it is preferred
that an individual tailor their diet to obtain these essential fatty
acids, there are supplements available that are extremely helpful
in assuring that an individual has the right amount of EFA's.
TRANS-FATTY ACIDS
In 1911 Proctor and Gambel introduced Americans to a "healthier
alternative to cooking with animal fats…more economical than
butter." Crisco has flourished as a company, generating billions
of dollars and becoming a standard product in many homes and recipes.
Yet, since the 1950's concerns about the safety of Crisco and the
uses of trans-fats have been raised.
What exactly are trans-fats? Trans-fats are the most
dangerous type of fat American's consume. Trans fats are produced
during a process used to make vegetable oils solid, known as hydrogenation.
Hydrogenated oils are popular in many processed foods as it greatly
extends the shelf life of their products and is relatively inexpensive.
However, hydrogenation alters the molecular structure of fats. During
this process all of the beneficial components of the natural oils
are destroyed, including the essential fatty acids and vitamin E.
Trans-fatty acids have been implicated in serious
disease. Trans fats interfere with the function of insulin receptors
and make insulin less effective. The pancreas is forced to secrete
excess insulin to handle the blood sugar. This increases the risk
of adult onset diabetes. Trans fats cause alterations in adipose
cells as well as the fatty acid composition of these, all of which
add to obesity. For every 2% increase in a persons consumption of
trans-fats, his/her risk of developing heart disease rises by 90%
and that TFA's have been linked to diabetes, infertility, obesity,
low birth weight, inferior breast milk quality and immune dysfunction.
Considering these facts shouldn't you begin examining your foods
for the presence of trans-fats?
Unfortunately trans-fats are not listed in the
ingredients. Foods listing hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated
oils are a sure bet to have been made with TFA's. Foods high in
trans fat include, but are not limited to: margarine, shortening,
microwave popcorn, commercial french-fries, store-brand doughnuts,
peanut butter, chips, commercially baked goods and ranch salad dressing.
We realize that for many people it is difficult if not impossible
to eliminate all of these foods from their diets while including
foods high in essential fatty acids.
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