Essential Fatty Acids For Human Health… Your Thoughts?

Essential Fatty Acids for human health… What are your thoughts?

Many humans are well aware that we need the 3 major macro-nutrients of Protein, Fats, and Carbohydrates. However, this is where most humans fall off the knowledge cliff and are left in the dark. At this point, they are forced to listen to what everyone else says about human nutrition. By everyone else, I am talking about Government agencies, Health organizations, dietitians, nutritionists, etc. You might even feel like a trapped wild animal at this point and feel as if others are making decisions for you. I don’t know about you, but I’m trying to make my own decisions about MY life. I was given one shot at life and I want to make the most of it. I do not want to listen to a bunch of bullshit from people, most of whom don’t even know what they are talking about. Newsflash to all humans out there who are reading this: pull your head out of your ass and start doing your own research. Don’t let anyone else control your destiny by telling you what to do. Unless of course, you just want to be spoon-fed your whole life. If that is the case, then please stop reading and do your thing. If you are like me and take matters into your own hands and aren’t afraid to say “No” to people, then please keep reading and make your own decisions. This is strictly informative. It is an attempt to break through all the confusing research. So let’s get this straight, I AM NOT TELLING YOU WHAT TO DO!

Let’s move on and discuss the importance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. What the #$%* am I talking about, right? Good question!

I am talking about the essential, or necessary, fatty acids that humans must consume in their daily foods to protect their health. There are a few fatty acids that exist in human nutrition, but there are 2 that humans cannot manufacture and must obtain from food sources. Hence why they’re called ESSENTIAL fatty acids (EFAs). These 2 are Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. To date, there are 2 others known as Omega-7 and Omega-9, both of which are non-essential and can be manufactured by humans.

A quick break down of these 2 EFAs. Omega-3 is also known as alpha linolenic acid (α-linolenic acid) and is considered to be anti-inflammatory by nature. Omega-3s are produced in foods where 18 carbon atoms have formed a chain. 3 of these carbon atoms have a double bond with the carbon immediately next to it in the chain link. Whenever you hear that carbons have a “double bond,” it means 2 carbon atoms have a bond that can only be broken by heat (cooking). What does this have to do with its importance? A lot. Because most humans do not understand biochemistry however, I’ll keep this simple. Omega-3 fatty acids are obtained through fish, eggs, and other lean meats. Humans need Omega-3 fatty acids for brain, heart and nervous system health. If you do some research on the Internet, you will find that EPA and DHA are Omega-3s that are critical to our health. These can only be obtained through single food sources of fish, eggs, and lean meats, NOT through supplements that are made in a chemistry lab. Please do not go running to your nearest grocery or health food store to buy supplements after reading this – you’re wasting your money! I like to call it “expensive urine.”

Omega-6 on the other hand is known as linoleic acid and is considered to be pro-inflammatory by nature. Omega-6s are also produced in foods where 18 carbon atoms have formed a chain. The difference is that only 2 of these carbon atoms have double bonds. Omega-6s can be found in many plant sources, such as vegetable, nut and seed oils.

These 2 EFAs are the Yin (3) and Yang (6) of human health. Both are necessary to human health, but only in a good ratio. You want to shoot for maybe a 1:2 ratio of Omega-3:Omega-6. I’m saying maybe, because it can be different for each human. However, current research shows that most Americans, and probably many humans world wide, have some crazy ratio of like 1:15. When Omega-6 heavily outweighs the Omega-3 we show signs and symptoms of this imbalance. Our bodies produce excess inflammation and you may see that your skin is dry, scaly, or itchy. The brain begins to degenerate and sends out an excess of neurochemicals because it is malfunctioning. The nervous system cannot handle the load and over fires, which can cause all sorts of issues. The nervous system gets overloaded because there is no insulation for the electrical signal to travel down the entire pathway. What do you think happens when you put an electrical device in water? On top of all of that, if you are even slightly dehydrated, you are really up shit creek without a paddle. When your EFAs are out of balance the body literally begins to decompose in front of your own eyes and it ain’t pretty! The point is that we need a balance of Omega-3s to Omega-6s for insulation and lots of water so the nervous system, brain and heart can operate effectively and efficiently.

To sum this whole thing up regarding food choices, it’s pretty simple. Drink lots of water. Eat eggs, fish, and lean meats for the Omega-3s. Eat and cook with the oils derived from vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds for your Omega-6s. Throwing in the occasional whole grain (oats, quinoa, rice, etc.) will round out human nutrition. If you can manage to do all of that and live a healthy, low-stressed lifestyle that incorporates movement and meditation, then you are on your way to excellent health. If that doesn’t work, then you’re truly an enigma and I got nothing for you.

The bottom line is this. Vibrant health is obtained through a wide spectrum of all the food sources including meats, eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and oils. And when enough water is supplied, the biochemical elements from the foods get a chance to do their thing.

Thank you and remember to check back soon for the next … Your Thoughts? to help you nourish your wild side!