The A-list: Essential fatty acids

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) cannot be made by the body and are, as the name suggests, essential. The only way to obtain EFAs is through diet or supplements

. EFAs can be obtained from plant source or fish. EFAs improve the skin and hair; reduce blood pressure; aid in the prevention of arthritis; and lower cholesterol and triglycerides. EFAs are vital for normal functioning of the brain and help with hormone regulation.

There are two basic categories of essential fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6. Omega-6 can be found in raw nuts, borage oil, grapeseed oil and evening primrose oil. Omega-3 can be found in fish oil, flaxseed oiland canola oil. These substances should not be heated as this destroys their benefit.

Go to the A-list supplements index.