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 ARE EFAS 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?
EFA deficiencies are associated with symptoms such as low mood, skin dryness and rashes, fatigue, joint point, brittle hair and nails. You can suffer from an EFA deficiency if your diet is low in EFA-rich foods, such as oily fish like salmon.
SOURCES OF EFAS
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: 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: 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 vitamins 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+
DMK EFA+ is the answer to internally supporting our immune system. The three simple active ingredients in the formula are dynamic, concentrated, nutrient dense. antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and essential components to our body’s cellular health, repair and defense systems.
Sometimes it can be difficult to get the right balance of EFAs from your diet alone. DMK’s EFA+ is a unique formulation that is specially designed to promote healthy skin.
The DMK EFA+ formulated with a blend of plant-based essential fatty acids 3,6,7 and 9, derived from evening primrose and sea buckthorn oils combined to create this synergistic blend of over 190 micro nutrients, vitamins, minerals, trace elements. Together they help to restore hydration in the tissues, create healthy cell membranes for increased cellular activity, rebuild and repair damaged tissue, reduce inflammatory cascades, help regulate and balance hormones and support the body’s antioxidant and immune systems.
DMK EFA’s are required for the structure of all membranes in the body. DMK EFA’s “waterproof” the skin, maintaining the barrier of the skin impermeable. The skin’s primary function is to protect internal organs and skeleton from the exterior attack.
EFA+ 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.
This is a very bio-active plant-formula and is recommended as a key and an essential component for every DMK client.