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Guest Article: Essential Fatty Acids for Good Health

© By Jane Sheppard

There are two kinds of EFAs: omega-6 is found in safflower, sunflower, corn and evening primrose oils. The other is omega-3. Flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 EFAs. Walnuts and soybeans also contain significant amounts as well as freshly ground wheat germ. Whole or ground up flaxseeds can be found in bulk at most health food stores. Dried beans, such as great northern, kidney, navy and soybeans are inexpensive sources of both omega-6 and omega-3 EFAs. Certain fish are very rich in EFAs. The body can convert EFAs from fish more easily than other forms. The best fish are salmon, tuna, mackerel, bluefish, sardines and herring.

Providing EFAs to Your Children
Sometimes it's hard to get your children to eat enough of the above foods. Flaxseed oil is one of the best and most practical ways to supply EFAs to children. It should be organic, unrefined and expeller or cold-pressed (made without added heat). You can find it at any health food store. Flaxseed oil has very little taste and most children will take it by the spoonful at the following doses (recommended by Dr. Galland), depending on age:

One to two years - 1 teaspoon a day

Two to three years - 2 teaspoons a day

Three and up - 1 tablespoon a day
You can use flaxseed oil in salad dressings or mix it in with your child's favorite foods. I’ve been mixing it with Rice Dream Non-dairy Pudding for years. Flaxseed oil, like any other oil, needs to be refrigerated and tightly covered in a dark container. Throw it out if it tastes even slightly bitter, since it is rancid. Do not use it as a cooking oil because heat will destroy the EFAs. Flaxseeds can be used in baking and other dishes. Be creative and you will find what works best for your child.

About the Author: Jane Sheppard has been a researcher in the healthcare field for more than 14 years, with an emphasis on nutrition and alternative medicine. She is the editor of Healthy Child Newsletter and Healthy Child Online, providing in-depth information to parents about children's nutrition, natural health and alternative medicine, vaccinations, herbs, breastfeeding, strengthening a child's immune system, environmental and medical concerns. Visit http://www.healthychild.com for data base of articles, free newsletter, parent's forum, recommended books and more. Jane can be reached at editor@healthychild.com.