Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are fundamental to cellular function and overall well-being. They possess unique properties that contribute significantly to maintaining health:
* **Oxygen Attraction:** EFAs play a crucial role in oxygen transport. They facilitate the movement of oxygen from the lungs to red blood cells and then from red blood cells into individual cells. This process ensures cells receive the oxygen needed for optimal function. By residing in cell membranes, fatty acids create an oxygen-rich environment, acting as a natural defense against pathogens that struggle to survive in such conditions.
* **Sunlight Absorption:** EFAs readily absorb sunlight and light energy, a characteristic linked to their ability to attract and absorb oxygen. This makes them chemically active. Exposure to sunlight and oxygen can cause them to become rancid, highlighting the importance of proper storage, such as refrigeration after opening.
* **Negative Charge:** The negative charge of EFAs is critical for various chemical reactions within the body. It prevents the molecules from clumping together, allowing them to effectively transport toxic materials throughout the body to elimination channels like the skin, lungs, colon, kidneys, and lymphatic system. This electron flow also helps recharge the body and supports healthy brain and nerve function.
* **Lactic Acid Reduction:** Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids aid in converting lactic acid, produced during intense physical activity, into water and carbon dioxide. This is essential for preventing mineral depletion and maintaining a balanced pH level in the body. An acidic environment can invite parasites and pathogens, so the role of EFAs in neutralizing lactic acid is vital.
Udo Erasmus’s “Fats and Oils – The Complete Guide to Fats and Oils in Health and Nutrition” further elaborates on the role of EFAs in energy movement, highlighting the importance of their negative charge in forming hydrogen bonds and facilitating electron transfer, which is crucial for life’s chemical reactions.