Biofats Omega 3-6-9 (Natural Flavour) - 355ml

3-6-9 OMEGA COMBINATIONS

Not all fat is bad for you! Without enough healthy fats, our bodies cannot properly function...

Essential fatty acids (EFA’s) are those building blocks of fats that the body cannot synthesize from other building blocks. Because of this, we must ingest them in our diet in order to meet our nutritional needs. Besides being an energy source, essential fatty acids are used to form the membrane of every cell in our body, as well as many essential hormones and other messenger molecules as well.

Types of EFA’s
There are three major types of essential fats, which are commonly known as: Omega 3, Omega 6, and Omega 9 fatty acids. Each of these is an unsaturated fat, and their names represent the location of their first double bond’s distance from the end of the free carbon tail. Each double bond creates a kink in the chain.

Trans-Fats
When a fatty acid chain has a double bond in it, the kink can result in both ends pointing in the same direction (like this: <), or in opposite directions (like this: z). When both ends are pointing in the same direction, it is called the cis formation, which is the type commonly found in nature and is most easily used by our bodies. When the double bond causes the two ends to point in opposite directions, it is called trans formation. This is where the term “trans-fat” originates. While trans fats do naturally occur in some animal products like beef and milk, most are created during the hydrogenation of processed foods. Eating large amounts of trans fats has been linked to a much higher risk of cardiovascular disease. They are believed to act much like saturated fat in the body. It is required by law for trans-fat amounts to be listed on all consumer labels in North America because of the many known negative health ramifications.

Importance of EFA’s
Every cell in the body 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 these healthy fats, our cells become porous and chemical or nutrient imbalances can occur. Diets too high in saturated fats, and low in EFA’s can cause rigid cell membranes that create inflexible tissue that is restrictive and easily damaged. EFA's assist in the development and functions of the brain and nervous system making it very important for infants and children to have EFA apart of their diet or supplement regime. It can also help regulate blood pressure, immune responses, liver function and will help with blood clotting and breaking down cholesterol.

Medicinal Value
Essential fatty acids have been used to treat eczema, psoriasis, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), arteriosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, multiple sclerosis (MS), menopause and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). They can also help to improve hair and skin, prevent blood clots, improve memory and regulate hormone levels and much much more.

Foods Containing Essential Fatty Acids
There are many foods that contain EFA's that you can include in your diet to ensure you get the nutrients you require. Some Omega-3 sources include: nuts, soybeans, walnuts, flaxseed oil, and cold water fish such as salmon, cod, tuna, herring, flounder, and shrimp. Omega-6 are much more available being found in a large variety of vegetables such as broccoli and spinach, nuts, and seeds such as sunflower, pumpkin, sesame, hemp, and flax.

Omega 3-6-9 Supplements
Omega 3-6-9 oils are a combination of the three different types of essential fatty acids. They are intended as a general dietary supplement to help cover the EFA’s that may be missing in the average North American diet. 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 both DHA, and EPA, which are two other types of omega 3 fatty acids.

How can I supplement EFA’s?
Ensure your EFA 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. The encapsulation process also increases the risk of oxidation damage to the fats. Aim for liquid fat supplements whenever possible. A lot of companies are now making the liquid free of fishy after taste making it a perfect option for people who don't eat fish.

Side Effects of EFA Supplementation
Occasional minor side effects may include upset stomach, burping, flatulence, soft stool, and diarrhea. However, these side effects often lessen with continued use and usually occur at higher doses. To minimize the side effects take EFA supplements with food, and start off with smaller doses. If taking blood thinners consult a health care practitioner before use as EFA's can thin the blood.

Omega 3-6-9 oils – QUICK FACTS

FOOD SOURCES
· Borage, black currant, fish, flaxseed, hemp, primrose, pumpkin, safflower, sunflower, olive, soybean.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
· Dry hair and skin, eczema, learning disorders, painful menses, hot flashes, infertility, high cholesterol, constipation.

OPTIMUM DOSAGE
· Dosages depend on the type of oil that is used, usually 1tbsp – 3 tbsp daily or 3 – 9 capsules daily. (Clinical doses may be higher as recommended by your practitioner).

WORKS WELL WITH
· Other essential fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
· Fatty acids are best absorbed with a fatty meal.
· Those with an inability to absorb fats should take an enzyme complex to facilitate the intake of EFAs.
· Use caution when taking EFAs while using blood thinning medication.