Evening Primrose Oil :

"Good Fats" Article

There is such a thing as "good fat"?

Today's popular diets preach a "low fat, no fat, bad fat" philosophy. But did you know that there is such a thing as "good fat"? Good fats do indeed exist and they are as important to human health as other vitamins and minerals. Some good fats are called "essential fatty acids" (EFAs). Why? Because they truly are essential.

The discovery of essential fats goes back to 1929 and the work of husband-and-wife research team George and Mildred Burr. The couple's research on animals showed that a lack of essential fats in the diet created skin problems such as dryness, scales and swelling. They also observed damage to internal organs as the deficiency progressed. When these symptoms were left untreated, the animals eventually died.

In 1956, another researcher furthered our understanding of essential fats with a letter published in The Lancet, one of the world's most prestigious medical journals. The author, Hugh Sinclair, claimed that most of the world's so-called "diseases of civilization" - coronary heart disease, cancer, diabetes, inflammation, strokes and skin disease - were caused by a disturbance in fat metabolism.

Sinclair, who dedicated his life to the study of nutrition and the role of essential fatty acids in human health observed that, in spite of improvements in medicine and standard of living, the life expectancy of a 50-year-old man had not changed since the middle of the 19th century. He theorized that the major reason for this was because the typical Western diet was full of processed foods, saturated fats and trans-fatty acids ("bad fats"), but severely lacking in essential fatty acids ("good fats").

Although Sinclair was ridiculed at the time, modern science has discovered that his theories were, indeed, correct. We know today that essential fatty acids (EFAs) profoundly influence the health of the human body. Research with essential fatty acid supplementation has shown promise in a number of areas including:

• cardiovascular health
• diabetes
• rheumatoid arthritis
• skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis
• brain function
• infant development
• immune function
• cancer prevention

Although the recent trend has been towards a more "fat-free" diet we now understand that some fat is actually essential to human well being. The body needs essential fatty acids just like it needs other essential vitamins and minerals to help prevent and treat numerous diseases. Essential fatty acids are also required by the body to control a large number of cellular processes. Essential fatty acids must be obtained through food and nutritional supplements to maintain good health.

Almost 50 years ago, Sinclair was ridiculed for his theory on fats, but with the discoveries of modern science, he is now recognized and praised for insights that were far ahead of his time.

The EFA Family

Physiologically speaking, there are two fatty acids that are truly "essential". These are Linoleic Acid (LA) and Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA). The body cannot manufacture these fats itself, yet they are essential for health. A healthy body uses LA and ALA to produce other fatty acids, which, in turn, produce a host of beneficial compounds called eicosanoids. The derivative fatty acids each play specific roles in the maintenance of good health and we generally include them when we talk about "essential fatty acids". The derivative fatty acids include: Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). There is one other derivative of Linoleic Acid that isn't always a good fat, but it, too, is necessary in small amounts: Arachidonic Acid.

Getting the right fats

The average North American typically gets an excess of Linoleic Acid from processed foods, margarine and vegetable oils.

However, many factors of our modern lifestyle hamper the body's ability to convert Linoleic Acid into the beneficial derivative, GLA: consumption of sugar, alcohol, saturated fats and trans-fatty acids, diabetes, aging, stress, prescription medications, and viral infections to name a few. Insufficient quantities of zinc, magnesium, and vitamins B6, C, and niacin also slow the process.

At the same time, we get very little of the omega-3s, ALA, EPA and DHA.

Modifications to the diet combined with supplemental oils are the best ways to make sure you get a healthy balance of the right fats.

Diet tips:

• cut down your Linoleic Acid intake by eating less processed food, margarine and vegetable oils such as corn and sunflower oils
• cut down your saturated fat intake by eating less fatty red meats, dairy products such as whole milk and butter, and deep fried foods
• increase your EPA and DHA intake by eating more fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, and tuna
• increase your ALA intake by adding milled flax seed to salads and breads

Supplementation with EFA oils:

In addition to modifications to the diet, daily supplementation with GLA, ALA, EPA and DHA is the best way to ensure that you receive the health-protecting benefits of essential fatty acids.

Supplementatal sources of these essential fatty acids include:

• evening primrose oil and borage oil for GLA
• flax oil for ALA
• fish oils for EPA and DHA

A daily supplement that combines all the essential fatty acids in one convenient capsule is a healthy choice for most people. Similar to a "multivitamin" this supplement should contain a balanced blend of evening primrose, flax and fish oils. These oils are available in soft gelatin capsules that are convenient, easy to swallow and keep the oil fresh. Supplementation with high doses of individual EFAs can have therapeutic benefits.

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