Every cell needs essential fatty acids for its cell membrane where the fats make the important barrier that lets other molecules into and out of the cell.

Without the healthy fats cells become porous and chemical or nutrient imbalances can occur.  The essential fats also produce chemical messengers, such as hormones, in the body thus, omega 3-6-9 oils help to optimize hormone levels in both men and women.  Essential fatty acids have been used to treat eczema, psoriasis, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, atherosclerosis, hypertension, cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, menopause and PMS.  They also improve hair and skin, prevent blood clots, improve memory and regulate hormone levels.

There are three categories of EFAs, omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9.  Vegetable-based combination oils usually contain alpha-linolenic acid, ALA, for omega 3, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), for omega 6 and oleic acid, for omega-9.  The sources of the oils are several of the following: flaxseed, borage, black currant, hemp, pumpkin seed, primrose, sunflower or safflower.  Some combination oils include fish oils derived from fish such as herring, cod, mackerel, tuna or salmon.  These oils give the added benefit of containing docosahexanoic acid, DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, two other types of omega 3 fatty acids.

Ensure your omega 3-6-9 supplement is not processed with heat because it damages the acids and creates free radicals.  Some of the damaged fats turn into trans-fatty acids, which are well known for their promotion of cardiovascular disease.  Refrigerate all liquid 3-6-9 supplements and keep capsules away from heat because they can become rancid.  Using liquid EFAs is much more cost effective than capsules because numerous capsules must be taken to make an equivalent amount of liquid oil.

For more information on essential fatty acid sources see the articles on each type of fatty acid or oil.