A deficiency of essential fatty acids can lead to an impaired ability to learn and recall information. Every living cell in the body needs essential fatty acids. They are essential for rebuilding and producing new cells. Essential fatty acids are also used by the body for the production of Prostaglandins, hormonelike substances that act as chemical messengers and regulators of various body processes. In order to supply essential fatty acids, these oils must be consumed in pure liquid or supplement form and must not be subjected to heat, either in processing or cooking.
Heat destroys essential fatty acids.
Worse, it results in the creation of dangerous free radicals. The daily requirement for essential fatty acids is satisfied by an amount equivalent to 10 to 20 percent of total caloric intake. The most essential of the essential fatty acids is linoleic acid. There are a number of sources of essential fatty acids. Among them are fish oils, flaxseeds and flaxseed oil, grape seed oil, and primrose oil.