How The Body Works 1
Essential Nutrients the Body Needs - Essential Fatty Acids
Your body needs to consume a few essential (absolutely necessary) substances to survive. Essential, in terms of foods, means that your body cannot make it, but needs it to survive. The way we've gotten these essential substances in the past are from Animals and Vegetation.
These are the absolute necessities to survive:
1. Essential Fatty Acids
2. Essential Amino Acids (from protein)
3. Essential Vitamins and Minerals
Here is what these essential fatty acids do and why you need them:
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS
Essential Fatty Acids are broken down into two main categories: Omega 3 (Anti-Inflammatory) and Omega 6 (Inflammatory). The body operates best when receiving one Omega 3 to one Omega 6.
(Side Note - Most Americans are getting, on average, one Omega 3 to nineteen Omega 6. This is why Americans are so inflamed.
Here are some of the important roles that essential fatty acids play in the human body:
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Brain function: Omega-3 fatty acids are important for brain function and development, and may help to reduce the risk of certain mental health conditions. Studies have also shown that omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of certain mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.
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Heart health: Both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can help to lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and improve cholesterol levels, which can lower the risk of heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease by improving cholesterol levels, reducing triglycerides, and preventing the formation of blood clots.
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Immune function: Omega-3 fatty acids may help to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation in the body. This may help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
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Skin health: Essential fatty acids can help to improve skin health and reduce the appearance of aging by helping to maintain moisture and elasticity. Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, have been shown to reduce inflammation in the skin and may help to improve conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
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Hormone regulation: Omega-6 fatty acids are necessary for the production of certain hormones that regulate inflammation, blood pressure, and blood clotting. Omega-3 fatty acids, on the other hand, are important for the production of hormones that regulate the immune system and the nervous system.
It's important to ensure that you are getting enough essential fatty acids in your diet through foods such as fatty fish, nuts, seeds, butter, tallow, pork belly, chicken with skin, and grass feed beef.
It is important to get grass fed and organic beef, as well as pasture raised chicken. Raw milk is also a preferred milk over pasteurized milk. (Pasteurization means heated to a very high temperature, which kills all of the bacteria that the human gut thrives on.)
One of the best sources of essential fatty acids, specifically omega-3, is fatty fish. Fish high in omega-3, such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, are excellent omega-3 sources. Fish oil, which is extracted from these fatty fish, is also good for you and contains high amounts of omega-3. Taking fish oil supplements is a popular way to increase omega-3 intake for those who don't consume enough through their diet. Omega-3 is good for reducing inflammation in the body, improving heart health, and supporting brain function. These macronutrients and nutrients are crucial for maintaining good health and preventing disease.
In the next blog, we will talk about Essential Amino Acids (Protein).
To get started on a low carb, whole foods approach, CLICK HERE.