Abundant in foods such as walnuts, seafood, fatty fish, certain seeds and plant oils, Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are well known for their incredible health benefits.
The body can’t produce EFAs on its own, which is why it is so important to ensure you are getting enough through your diet or supplements. EFAs are important for optimal skin functioning and are critical for a variety of other bodily processes such as hormone production, cardiovascular health, hair health, and brain functioning.
EFAs such as linoleic acid (omega-6s) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3s) are considered particularly important for the skin and play a significant role in keeping it healthy and plump.
WHY EFA'S ARE NEEDED
EFAs help keep you healthy in a variety of ways. Firstly, EFAs moderate inflammation by reducing the production of cytokines that cause excessive inflammation in the body, which can impact a variety of bodily functions, not only the appearance of the skin. EFAs also support the production of prostaglandins, which are important for regulating blood pressure, kidney functioning and more.
AM I SUFFERING FROM EFA DEFICIENCY?
EFAs help keep you healthy in a variety of ways. Firstly, EFAs moderate inflammation by reducing the production of cytokines that cause excessive inflammation in the body, which can impact a variety of bodily functions, not only the appearance of the skin. EFAs also support the production of prostaglandins, which are important for regulating blood pressure, kidney functioning and more.
SOURCE OF EFA'S
To make sure you are getting enough EFAs in your diet, you can try adding a number of these foods to meals.
Seafood high in EFAs
Anchovies
Herring
Mackerel
Oysters
Salmon
Sardines
Trout
Tuna (fresh or light, canned in water)
Nuts and grains featuring EFAs
Flaxseed
Peanut butter
Oatmeal
Pumpkin seeds
Walnuts
Vegetables high in EFAs
Brussels sprouts
Kale
Spinach
Broccoli
Cauliflower
OMEGA 3, 6, 7, 9 – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Omega-3: Omega-3 is essential for maintaining healthy skin. Studies have found that omega 3 can help calm inflammation, reduce acne, support wound healing, and even reduce UV damage. Omega 3 is also thought to support short-chain fatty acids in the gut, which can aid the gut lining. You can get your omega-3s by consuming healthy fats such as salmon, walnuts, flax, hemp seeds and chia seeds.
Omega-6: Omega-6’s such as linoleic acid are fantastic for promoting skin health and can be consumed internally or directly applied to the skin. Linoleic acid omega-6 is the most abundant polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) found in the skin. It is required for the synthesis of ceramides that make up 40-50% of the lipids in the stratum corneum and support a strong skin barrier. When your diet is low in omega-6 fatty acids, this can lead to dry, scaly skin with a poor barrier function. Research has found that people with acne can have low amounts of linoleic acid in their sebum. Sebum that is low in linoleic acid is thought to become stickier, leading to blocked pores.
What about Omega-7 & 9? Omega-7 or palmitoleic acid is a little-known fatty acid that can have wonderful health benefits. It is great for rejuvenating the skin, hair, and nails. It can also aid wound healing, digestion and assist with mucosal membrane health. Omega-7 also provides an array of vitamins such as vitamin A, B, C, D, E, K, carotenoids, amino acids and more. Omega-9 has anti-inflammatory properties that can aid skin health.
DMK’S EFA ULTRA
Sometimes it can be difficult to get the right balance of EFAs from your diet alone. DMK’s EFA Ultra is a unique formulation that is specially designed to promote healthy skin. Formulated with a blend of plant-based essential fatty acids, seaweed extract, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, EFA Ultra encourages healthy skin, hair, and nails. It goes above and beyond the average supplement as it features a powerful blend of Omega 3, 6, 7 and 9, as well as more than 190 nutrients and bioactive substances, all entirely sourced from plant-based ingredients. Coconut oil, mekabu seaweed extract, sea buckthorn and evening primrose work to soothe and nourish the body, increase water levels in the skin and improve its structural integrity and barrier function. EFA Ultra works well for those who suffer from acne, inflamed or reactive skin, pigmentation, and hormonal imbalance, as well as fine lines, wrinkles and saggy skin. For any skin undergoing a revision program, EFA’s are a priority.