Essential fatty acids (EFA's) are vital for good health and essential to the body function but we cannot manufacture or synthesize them, we must obtain them from our diet. An inadequacy of EFA's is considered one of the most widespread nutritional deficiencies among modern humans.

EFA's provide the body with what it needs to manufacture cell membranes. The membrane protects our cells allowing certain substances into the cell, yet refusing to let others in.  But if a cell membrane is damaged, it may be unable to expel harmful waste products efficiently.  Continual damage to the membrane will eventually damage the health of the cell and may lead to a failure of some cell and tissue functions and even to an acceleration of the ageing process.  In order for cells to repair or replace membranes, they require EFA's.

EFA's are not only necessary for the formation of healthy cell membranes but also for the production of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that regulate numerous body functions including blood pressure, heart rate, blood viscosity, immune and inflammatory responses.  Prostaglandins, by their ability to control inflammation, which is characteristic of many auto immune disorders, are also able to increase immune function.  However, a diet rich in saturated fat can in fact allow the saturated fats to block the conversion of EFA's to these desirable prostaglandins.