Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are among the most used and important supplements we can take.
Early in my career I was taught, and have suggested to patients for years that fish oils have great health benefits from anti-inflammatory effects to increasing the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood.
Professor Brian Scott Peskin and Dr. Robert Rowen, authors of The PEO Solution suggest that linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid are the only true essential fatty acids. Not only do fish oils show little to no benefit for inflammation or cardiovascular health, but the EPA and DHA they contain are easily synthesised in our bodies. In practice, people who don’t eat fish would probably benefit from some fish oil supplementation, but it’s not necessary.
A lack of Omega 3 in our diet can lead to dry or irritated skin, depression or anxiety, joint pain, dandruff, brittle nails, insomnia, fatigue and poor concentration. An Omega 6 deficiency includes many of the same but also excessive thirst and urination as well as the onset of allergic reactions like hay-fever or asthma.
Healthy fats help manage cholesterol levels are great for everyone. And for women of all ages they can be even more beneficial.
Oil cycling for menstrual and menopausal health
The follicular phase of the menstrual cycle is predominantly oestrogen based while functions of the luteal phase rely more on progesterone. So to support a healthy menstrual cycle one can take Organic Flaxseed or Perilla Oil for the first 14 days before changing to Evening Primrose for another 14 days. Flax and Perilla help with oestrogen production while Evening Primrose helps with progesterone. It’s a natural way to supplement healthy hormone levels in the body.
What happens if you don’t have a menstrual cycle, but still deal with the effects of changing hormones? Menopausal women can start with the EFA cycle at the new moon and transition to Evening Primrose at the full moon.
Even if the hormone support isn’t needed, the benefits of good fats apply to everyone. For advice with use and dosage, just ask at your next appointment.
Source:
Food and Nutrition Sciences, 2013, 4; 9A, 76-85.
http://dx.doi.org/10.426/fns.2013.49A 1013 Published Online September 2013 (http://www.scirp.org/journal/fns)