What are Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s)?
While we tend to think of all forms of fats as bad or unhealthy, it is important to realize that certain fats, namely fatty acids, are essential for optimum health. Fatty acids are acids produced when fats are broken down. They are considered “good fats.” These acids are not highly soluble in water, and they can be used for energy by most types of cells. They may be monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, or saturated. They are organic, or in other words, they contain both carbon and hydrogen molecules. Fatty acids are found in oils and other fats that make up different foods. They are an important part of a healthy diet because the body needs them for several purposes. Fatty acids help move oxygen through the bloodstream to all parts of the body. They aid cell membrane development, strength, and function, and they are necessary for strong organs and tissue. There are different types of fatty acids: Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9. Omega-3 and Omega-6 are considered “essential” fatty acids but
