When we tell people they must have Fats in their diet, there are generally 2 responses. Those who are body conscious may freak, they don't want fat! Others who eat junk food think this means they can eat more! Both are wrong. There are good fats and bad fats. We need the good fat - the Essential Fatty Acids.While the "Bad Fats" - Saturated fats* - can contribute to skin issues, the "Good Fats" are vital to keep the skin (as well as the mind and body) healthy. Essential Fatty Acids, are called Essential, because we need them in our daily diet. Our body cannot produce these, we must eat foods that supply them. You may be familiar with the term Omega 3 and Omega 6. These are types of EFAs. EFAs provide the building blocks of healthy skin. They are required by all cells of the body for structure of the membranes and to regulate the functions of all cells. They help regulate cholesterol transport and metabolism. EFAs also help water-proof the skin, to protect it from the outside world. As EFAs are required by every cell of the body, any deficiency can cause problems in every cell and organ of the body. So it is vital to keep your diet balanced with "The Good Fat" Including healthy fats in your diet helps to keep you healthy and the skin hydrated and strong. This helps to protect the skin from skin damage from pollutants, the weather and even aging. Deficiencies in these nutrients can lead to a variety of skin problems including dry scaly skin, dandruff, wrinkling, and even hair loss. EFA's are a must for sufferers of conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis and allergies. Other health problems are likely to follow and can occur just about anywhere in the body. - Your immune system, cardiovascular, reproductive, nervous system¦.. Your skin is often a reflection of what is going on inside, or can be the first warning that there is a deficiency of problem. EFAs are very important for pregnant women, for the normal development of the babies brain. Many ADHD children do remarkably better when their diet is supplemented with EFAs. Keeping your diet balanced with lots of fruit and vegetables, whole grains and seeds lean meats, and fish, will help you to maintain your general health and help you to have beautiful glowing skin. We find Omega-3 & 6's in foods, that are naturally high in oil; such as Flaxseeds (you can add these to your morning cereal), or Flaxseed oil, other seeds and nuts are also high in EFAs, along with avocados, leafy green veggies and of course fish, particularly salmon, tuna and sardines or supplement with fish oil capsules. Cold pressed, virgin oils, such as canola oil and Olive oil.
