Essential Fatty Acids - The Good Fats

Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's) are very important in aiding many metabolic processesin the body. They are the main strutural component of every cell n the body and are essential for healthy cellular function. Many EFA's cannot be made by the body and must be obtained from diet or supplementation.
The most common Essential Fatty Acids are Linolenic Acid; Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid. These are colletively refered to as Omega-3 Fatty Acids.Also, there is Linoleic Acid and Arachidonic Acid - collectively call the Omega-6 Fatty Acids.
It is important to have the right balance of the various types in order to maintain good health. Unhealthy eating habits can result in an imbalance resulting in too much of one type and not enough of another.
Although most of us get enough of omega-6 in our diets, there are several factors which can affect out body's ability to produce omega-6:

• Stress
• Aging
• Sugar
• Alcohol
• Diabbetes

Insufficient vitamins such as niacin, C, B6 as well as the mineral zinc can also slow down the process.
Omega-3 is even harer to come by, and there are few natural sources of this important EFA!
Getting the right amount of EFA's is as simple as supplementing with a readily absorbed source of omega-6 and omega-3.
For omega-6, use Evening Primrose oil or Borage Oil and for omega-3, use Flax and Fish Oils. These can be found at many health food stores. I myself use the omega-3 in a higher dose as they are only available in a limited number of foods.
Research has shown that supplementation with the "omegas" reduces inflammation and pain caused by arthritis, combats PMS, and helps in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. Also they are know to help fight skin disorders including psoriasis.
To your natural health!