Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) have been described as the most necessary micronutrients for maintaining good health.
Chief Executive Officer, Seaduck Nigeria Limited, Mr Sam Ayeni, said they improve energy, stamina, performance, sleeping patterns, concentration and mood and skin appearance.
EFAs are grouped among the essential properties that the body needs to function effective. They are 44 nutrients, 20 minerals, 13 vitamins and eight amino acids.
He said: "Health professionals across the world understand the absolute importance to our general health and well-being of the foundational fats, especially the two EFAs - alpha-linolenic from Omega -3 and and linolenic acid (LA) from the Omega- family."
He said Omega 3 and 6 are EFAs that must be part of a balanced diet. With these fats, the body can make all the other fats it needs in the quantity and proportions the body deems necessary, which will vary from person to person through the stages of each person's life.
Fat, he noted, is often considered a bad word, adding that there are good fats and bad fats.The former is among the three macronutrients while the others are carbohydrate and protein.
Ayeni said every cell, tissue, gland and organ dependent on EFAs, and that they are the main structural components of cell membranes. They are necessary for cell growth and division and regulate vital cell activity through their conversion into hormone-like 'eicosanoids' and through their effects on genes and cell-to-cell signaling mechanism.
"If EFAS are ingested in adequate amounts and in optimal ratio can improve digestion, provide arthritic pain relief and deal with candidasis, eczema and psoriasis. A deficiency or imbalance of EFAs has been linked with numerous health problems such as excess body fats, brittle bones, insulin resistance, lower immune function and heightened risk for cardiovascular disease," he added.
He said large amount of EFAs are necessary for normal development and function of the brain and nervous system, adding that a deficiency of EFAs can lead to mood problems such as depression and anxiety, proneness to stress and an impaired ability to think, learn and remember things.
Ayeni said increases energy performance and stamina. It strengthens the immune system and improve functions of the brain such as mood, intelligence, behaviour and vision.
Other functions, he added, are lowering most risk factors of cardiovascular disease and reduction of weight. It also regulates the body organs and glands.
EFAs assist the development of the nervous system and as such a growing foetus will need optimum EFAs from the mother's body. The mother becomes depleted during pregnancy and needs optimal EFAs’ intake for her health and that of her children's opimum development.
These fats ensure beautiful skin, hair and nails. Some of the first signs of EFAs’ deficiency are dry flaky skin, dull hair and brittle nails.
He recommended that people need to include in their daily diet intake EFAs, such as Udo Choice oils blends, among other natural fish oil products, to improve and maintain their health.
TheNation