Which Fats are Truly “Essential”?

The absolute importance to our general health and well-being of Essential Fatty Acids is indisputable, and is the reason many consumers today supplement their diet with products such as fish and krill oil. Unfortunately, not all Essential Fatty Acids are in these types of products, which can leave us vulnerable to deficiencies, and the health problems that may follow.

Essential Fatty Acids are comprised of a group of Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids, including:

• DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)
• EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
• ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid)
• LA (Linoleic Acid)

In most cases, if you don’t actually consume the fats you need, your body can create them from other fats, cleverly converting one type of fatty acid into another type. However, there are two types of EFA’s that CANNOT be converted, they MUST be consumed: ALA and LA.

Whilst fish and krill oils are excellent sources of the Omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, they are not a good source for Omega 6 EFAs.

Importantly, ALA and LA are not found in fish oils! They are, however, abundant in Udo’s Oil.

Fortunately, both EPA and DHA can be made in the body, as required, from the ALA provided in Udo’s Oil. The human body converts plant-sourced omega-3 to the same EPA and DHA that are found in fish oils. If you have enough ALA, your body will automatically convert it to what your requires at the time.

This is why Udo Erasmus describes ALA and LA as “Foundational Fats” – because they form the foundation of what is truly essential for the human body.