PUFAs: Life or Death?
- ubiosis
- Mar 31, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 2, 2022
The hottest topic right now in the alternative health world has got to be about the dangers of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA). Known for its cis (bent) double bonds, the stability of the bonds make these fats highly sensitive to oxidation or free radical formation. The two forms of PUFA are n-3 (Omega 3) or n-6 (Omega 6) characterized by the position of the first double bond relative to the methyl end of the fatty acid (right side). Although one can make efforts to minimize their consumption of these fats, it would be impossible to follow a PUFA-free diet (unless you follow the Fat-Free MM Protocol which I do not recommend). Despite what the Ray Peat community says about both PUFAs, they are indeed essential fatty acids that our body cannot produce on its own. If they were non-essential & an unnatural addition to the human diet, why does every natural lipid containing food contain a ratio of Saturated, Monounsaturated & Polyunsaturated fat? Why does all human breast milk contain DHA & AA? The key is to understand the truth within the mass spread reductionism flooding social media.
The outer layer of mammalian cell membranes are made up of 40-50% Cholesterol & the remaining 50-60% is Unsaturated Phospholipids. Among the Unsaturated Phospholipids is DHA, the bioactive form of Omega 3 which holds significant importance. By influencing membrane structure & protecting organelles from leaking out of the cell to gene expression, DHA is responsible for the function of mitochondria cells. Found in highest concentrations in the eyes & brain it comes at no surprise considering its powerful effect on neurological development from infancy onwards. It also allows the cells to power up electrons with photons or light (especially red wavelengths), meaning it converts light into electrical signals in cell membranes. No wonder why it is concentrated in the eyes, the interface between the body & light! Therefore, it would be irrational to cover the eyes with sunglasses or restrict consumption from the diet. That would ultimately block the body’s ability to convert electrons from food into the mitochondria, hence no energy provided to perform infinite cellular functions.
The conclusion is that both forms of PUFA serve their functions in the body & complete restriction is not only detrimental, but also improbable. However, it would be beneficial to restrict concentrated forms of both PUFAs found in cooking oils, nuts, fish/krill oils & margarine/shortening as they are heavy in free radicals that rob the body of electrons with the addition of oxygen (oxidation) leading to cell mutations, DNA damage & uncontrolled cell death.
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