With Ema Taylor
In terms of our daily nutrient needs, there are an abundance of vitamins and minerals that are considered essential—but one category that doesn’t often get much time in the spotlight are essential fatty acids.
For women in particular, however, essential fatty acids like omega 3 are critical for our brain and eye health, as well as supporting our nutritional needs during times like pregnancy. So, to help us get a better understanding as to why essential fatty acids are so important for our health as well as our skin, we spoke with naturopath and nutritionist, Ema Taylor, to give us the rundown on these incredible nutrients…
We've recently launch OMEGA ELIXIR Inner Beauty Boost and would love to share with our community what essential fatty acids actually are?
“Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are fatty acids that the human body cannot make and therefore must be obtained from the food you eat. EFAs include linoleic acid (omega-6 group) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3 group) and play an important role in the body's structural and metabolic functions, including brain and nervous system health, hormone production, cardiovascular health, skin integrity and so much more.”
Are you able to breakdown the benefits of omega 3, 6, 7 and 9 and explain the omega 3 benefits for skin?
“Omega-3s are critical for the skin’s function and appearance and have been shown to reduce the occurrence of acne, reduce inflammation, support wound healing and even attenuate UV-induced skin ageing and damage. They also encourage short-chain fatty acid production in the digestive system, which strengthens the gut lining and provides a source of food to stomach cells. They’ve been shown to promote the proliferation of beneficial bacteria and have an anti-inflammatory effect on the digestive tract, too. Finally, they play a role in the function of the brain-gut axis, which supports a balanced mood.
Omega-6s play a critical role in skin appearance, texture and function. They’re fundamental for the skin’s structural integrity and barrier function, and also help to reduce inflammation and skin sensitivity.
Omega-7s have been found to reduce skin hyperpigmentation and improve the hydration and structure of the mucous membranes that reside in the skin and digestive tract. They also help to relieve ulcers and gastritis. And finally, omega-9s boast anti-inflammatory benefits.”
Why would we consider taking OMEGA ELIXIR over fish oil?
“OMEGA ELIXIR contains omega 3, 6, 7 and 9 while a regular fish oil only contains omega 3. Consuming a blend of omegas ensures that you’re hitting your required daily limit of these fundamental fats that are essential for your health,” says Ema.
But to find out more about the specific differences between OMEGA ELIXIR and fish oil, head to this blog
How do you know if you're not digesting omega 3s or essential fatty acids properly?
“Some symptoms associated with fat malabsorption are steatorrhea (fatty, oily, pale stools), nausea after a high-fat meal, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating. I recommend having proper testing to assess how well you are absorbing fats, which can be done with a stool test from your naturopath or doctor.
To improve fat maldigestion:
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Take digestive enzymes, particularly lipase which helps break down fat.
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Slow down your eating and chew your food properly.
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Eat in a relaxed manner to encourage correct digestion.
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Support your liver and gallbladder function to support fat digestion. Reduce alcohol and increase bitter foods such as rocket, dandelion greens, apple cider vinegar and dandelion root tea.
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Ensure you’re getting individualised care by your health practitioner––everyone is unique and there may be something underlying, such as a bacteria imbalance, that’s leading to digestive issues.”
Besides essential fatty acids for skin, what three things would you suggest to help promote a healthy, glowing complexion?
“Drink three litres of filtered water per day, increase your intake of organic vegetables to three cups per day and aim to have eight hours of quality sleep per night.”
How can OMEGA ELIXIR help overall skin health?
Dry skin is super common—especially in winter—and the good news is that OMEGA ELIXIR has been specifically formulated to help nourish skin from within and help maintain its structural integrity. It works by reducing skin inflammation, promoting a smoother, more supple complexion from the inside out and with gamma linoleic-acid-rich evening primrose oil, helps to soothe dry skin and relieve irritation and inflammation. What we love about this product too is that it’s super versatile, especially when it comes to making a delicious salad dressing!
