Softer Skin without Moisturiser
Omega fats for Smoother Skin & Shiny Hair
Do you suffer from dry skin? Do you have dry, cracked lips? Are you slow to heal? This could be an indication that you aren’t getting enough essential fats in your diet.
Over the last three decades we have become a ‘fat-phobic’ culture. This is understandable, since we have been taught by the medical profession that a fatty diet can contribute to coronary heart disease and obesity.
However, many people have subsequently gone to the other extreme of cutting fats out of their diet altogether. Avoiding all fats may be contributing to reduced health in other ways.
Good fats v. Bad fats
There are certain fats that should be avoided. These are the hydrogenated fats (e.g. margarine) and the fats used in frying food at high temperature. The reason for this is that the chemical structure of fat is altered by hydrogenation and by high temperatures. These become the ‘Trans fats’ that contribute to heart disease and weight gain.
It is also wise to strictly limit the saturated fats found in fatty meat, cheese, palm kernel oil, coconut oil, butter, ghee and lard. Many processed foods may contain saturated fats so it is a good idea to check the labels.
The good fats are the natural oils found in free range poultry and eggs, wholemeal bread, oily fish, nuts and seeds. They have not been hydrogenated or heat treated so their molecular shape remains unchanged. The body is able to correctly recognise and utilise these fats as building materials for the body.
You are what You Eat
The body is made of billions of tiny components called cells. Beneficial fats in our diet help to make healthy cells. It naturally follows that if our diet is deficient in these fats for a protracted time, we will develop problems such as dry skin or poor healing. The brain is a mass of cells, and so we may also be reducing our mental abilities. Some scientists suggest this as a possible cause for ADHD.*
Are you eating enough of the right fats?
For simplicity the oils that we need to be aware of can be classified into 3 main groups, referred to as Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9.
If you aren’t eating oily fish – this includes fresh (not tinned) tuna, salmon, mackerel, pilchards, herrings, etc. then you are probably deficient in Omega 3 fats. Vegetarian sources of Omega 3 fats include hemp seeds, flax seeds, walnuts, pecan nuts and hazel nuts.
Omega 6 oils are present in free range poultry and eggs, wholegrain bread, cereals, corn oil and nuts. If your diet is low in these foods then you may be Omega 6 deficient.
Omega 9 oils are found in nuts (e.g. almonds, peanuts and macadamias), avocados and in vegetable oils such as olive oil. The body is able to manufacture Omega 9 as long as sufficient Omega 3 and 6 fats are available.
Oil Supplements
It is best to obtain one's beneficial oils as part of a balanced diet, but for those who aren’t able to do this, the next best thing is supplementation. In her book ‘Allergy Solutions’, Suzanna Olivier, professional nutritionist, recommends starting with Omega 3 for a while as this is the most common deficiency.
Omega 3 and other oil supplements in liquid or capsule form can be obtained from any good Health Food store. Before embarking on supplementation it is advisable to consult a professional nutritionist to ensure that you are getting the correct balance of fats in your diet.
References:
Allergy Solutions, Suzanna Olivier published by Simon & Schuster ISBN No. 0-671-77313-65 pp 51-62
*B. J. Stordy, 'Dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyspraxia - do fatty acids help?', Dyslexia Review, Vol 9(2), 1997, pp.1-3
A list of oily fish can be found on the UK Government Food Agency website.
