They make up fifty percent of our brains gray matter, have immune enhancing and anti inflammatory purposes, are vital materials in our nerve coverings, cell membranes, bile acids, prostaglandins and hormones. Further they are needed for metabolism and transfer of cholesterol and triglycerides. EFA are two of the forty nine essential nutrients not manufactured in our bodies. Both Omega 6 and 3 are known to lower high blood pressure and decrease triglycerides and cholesterol. Omega 3 also improves eye function, intensifies blood flow and metabolism while Omega 6 intensifies immune and skin functions and softens blood vessels.
Fats also protects, fuels, lubricates and acts as a catalyst for protein and mineral utilization.
Processing methods seem to be a key criteria in selecting healthy oils. Many of the fats start out good but become bad because of the effect of pressure, air, heat and light. The worst oils are generally mass market refined oils like margarine. The bad oils use non organic seeds, have no third party organic certification, are exposed to air, light and heat during processing, bottled in clear plastic and are extracted by use of solvents. In contrast the good oils are bottled in opaque glass, processed without toxic solvents below 118 degrees Fahrenheit excluding light and air which is displaced by inert gas.