There are two main types of essential fatty acids (EFAs): omega-3s and omega-6s.
The reason that they are called ‘essential’ is that your body is unable to make it. You need to eat these EFAs in your diet. There are various dietary sources for both types, including:
- Vegetable oils: flax, olive (canola and mixed vegetable oils are best avoided),
- Nuts: walnuts,
- Fish: salmon, mackerel, halibut, and herring, and
- Other: green leafy vegetables, eggs, and some good quality chocolate.
Essential Fatty Acids: Functions in the Body
- Stimulation of growth and reproduction
- Health and growth of skin and hair
- Wound healing
- Reducing plasma cholesterol levels
- Regulation of gene function
- Balancing healthy cholesterol levels
- Neural development
- Supporting cell membrane integrity and fluidity
Therapeutic Uses
- Reduce inflammation in a wide variety of inflammatory conditions
- Help to lower blood pressure and to reduce elevated triglyceride levels
- Improve Cardiovascular function
- Support immune function
- Improve neurological function and support brain health
Katherine Knott
Katherine is a certified naturopath and the founding director of Acorn and Oak. She began studying Naturopathy when she was 18 years old and has practiced in both Melbourne and rural Victoria. She has also studied 2 1/2 years of nursing and midwifery, but decided that she was happier to work with women as […]
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Nicki Stewart
Nicki has always been drawn to Holistic Health and she follows in her mother’s footsteps who is a Reflexologist and Natural Therapist. Nicki was inspired to study Herbal Medicine after attending one of Dr. Sandi Rogers’ (Naturopath, Director of National College of Traditional Medicine and former President of Australian Traditional Medicine Society) seminars on ‘Fruits […]
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Alyce Beaton
Alyce is qualified naturopath in Ballarat who loves supporting people on their health journey. Alyce believes optimising and restoring health first and foremost begins with food as medicine and creating healthy lifestyle habits. She is passionate about providing a safe, non judgement environment and endeavours to support her clients with strategies they can implement into […]
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