What are Essential Fatty Acids – Why are they so important?

Why are Essential Fatty Acids so important?
• EFAs act as “solvents” to remove hardened fat.
• Support Muscle Growth and Fat Metabolism.
• Play an important role in health, circulation and combating inflammation.
• Support fat burning, metabolic rate, and energy levels.

How?

Essential Fatty Acids are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from linolenic, linoleic and oleic acids. There are two families of EFAs: Omega-3 and Omega-6. Omega-9 is necessary yet, “non-essential” because the body can manufacture a modest amount on its own, provided essential EFAs are present they play an instrumental role in increasing the body’s ability to accept insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and it’s responsible for carrying the carbohydrates and amino acids into the liver and muscle cells. This is largely oversimplified but if your body’s sensitivity to insulin is low it will secrete more insulin.

Too much insulin in your system causes low blood sugar and increased fat storage. Muscle growth then slows down because the cells will not be able to get as many amino acids as they should. Can you see how important it is to have an efficient insulin metabolism for you to reach your goals? EFAs are crucial for ensuring that this system is optimized.

In addition, research indicates that EFAs have an effect in directing carbohydrates into glycogen storage and also direct fatty acids toward energy production. In other words, it helps carbs get into the muscle and the liver, which keeps the muscle cells looking full and pumped and supports energy production because your liver glycogen (stored carbs) is full.

Great sources of EFA’s

Salmon
Herring
Mackerel
Hemp
Flax
Walnuts
Almonds
Dark green leafy vegetables such as broccoli and spinach
Olive oil
Whole grain foods
Eggs

Eat Well-BTPT