There are two types of EFAs - Omega 3 and Omega 6.

Omega 3 FAs
GLA: Linolenic Acid, EPA: Eicosapentaenoic Acid, DHA: Docosahexaenoic Acid): Reduces thickness of the blood and reduces clotting. Prevents build-up of fatty tissue on artery walls.Research has shown that Omega 3 FAs suppress some cancer-promoting substances.
Note: Fish oils are a major source. Flax seed oil contains 58% (see Health Foods); evening primrose oil contains 10% - other vegetable oils 0%. See note to Omega 6 FAs about inadequate conversion of linoleic to linolenic acid by the body.

Omega 6 FAs (Linoleic Acid): The essential fatty acids from which the healthy body working at optimum efficiency should produce Omega 3 FAs.
Note: Safflower oil - 75%; sunflower oil - 65%; flax seed oil - 14%.
Note: The conversion of linoleic acid to linolenic acid in the body is likely to be inhibited by diabetes, viral infections, alcohol, cholestrol, saturated fats and highly processed vegetable oil, such as is found in margarine. It is probable that most individuals' production of EPA and DHA is less than adequate. For this reason, ensuring an adequate supply of Omega 6 FAs is not sufficient - there is a definite need to ensure Omega 3 FAs are supplied in the diet.

Note: Cholesterol is a different form of fat found in animal tissues only. It can accumulate in arteries, leading to progressive reduction in the diameter of blood vessels and hence to a reduction in blood flow. This gives rise to heart attacks, angina, abnormal heart rhythms and heart failure, and may affect blood supply also to the brain, legs and kidneys. Cholesterol is dissolved and held in suspension in a free-flowing liquid state in the blood in the presence of adequate essential fatty acids.

Because the melting point of cholesterol is 300 deg F, it is deposited on arterial walls as an insoluble substance at the normal body temperature of 98.6 deg F. In the presence of the fatty acid lecithin (see Health Foods), the melting point of cholesterol is reduced to 180 deg F, still insoluble at body temperature. But when the EFAs, linoleic and linolenic acid, are in sufficient supply, the melting point of cholesterol is reduced to 32 deg F, well below body temperature. In this liquid state, cholesterol cannot be deposited as harmful arterial plaque and does not promote the degenerative diseases.

The body can make all the cholesterol it requires to assist it to make cell walls, hormones, and bile acids. Cholesterol is therefore not an essential nutrient: avoid or trim animal fats as much as possible.
(see Cholesterol)

Two Great New Zealand Sites