SATURATED FATTY ACIDS – “THE BAD FATS”
Saturated fats can be considered” bad fats’ as their only biological role is as a source of calories. Almost every human carries more fat energy reserves than they can use, they have no need to consume saturated fats. If you hope to achieve optimum nutrition you need to make every effort to eliminate saturated fats from your diet
SOURCES OF SATURATED FATS
Butter, Margarine, Full cream dairy products, Processed meats, Cheese, Baked goods, Confectionary and Chocolate products
POLYUNSATURATED ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS (EFA) – “THE GOOD FATS”
EFA’s form an essential part of the cell membranes around every cell in your body and as such have been proven to play a vital role in reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease, allergies, arthritis, eczema, depression, fatigue, infections, PMS…. the list grows every year! Essential fats play not only a critical role in optimising health but also in maximising physical performance, along with being an essential part of every cell membrane, essential fats are also integral to the proper functioning of our brain, inner ear, eyes, adrenal glands and sex organs. In these very active tissues they play an important role in nutrient absorption, oxygen use and energy transformation and therefore a deficient supply completely negates peak performance.
SOURCES OF POLYUNSATURATED FATS
Trout, Salmon, Mackerel, Sardines, Flax seeds, Pumpkin seeds, Walnuts and certain vegetable oils (Canola and Safflower)
OMEGA 3 FATS
Our modern day diets are likely to be more deficient in Omega 3 fats than Omega 6 fats because they are more prone to damage in cooking and food processing, Alpha-Linoleic acid can be considered the grandmother of the Omega 3 family with EPA and DHA her “metabolically active grandchildren”. EPA and DHA can be converted in the body to series 3 prostaglandins, which are extremely active hormone-like substances in the body, these prostaglandins are essential for proper brain function, and effect vision, co-ordination, and mood. They also help control blood cholesterol and fat levels, improve immune function and metabolism, and maintain water balance.
SOURCES OF OMEGA 3
Fish, flaxseed (linseed) and hemp oils
OMEGA 6 FATS
Linoleic acid can be considered the grandmother of the Omega 6 family with Gamma Linoleic acid (GLA) the “metabolically active grandchildren”. GLA is ultimately converted in the body to series 1 prostaglandins, series 1 prostaglandins keeps the blood then, relax blood vessels, lower blood pressure, help maintain water balance, decrease pain and inflammation, improve nerve and immune function.
SOURCES OF OMEGA 6
Pumpkin, hemp, canola and safflower oil, Evening primrose oil and Borage oil
