EFM's are a major talking point right now. Basically EFA's are so named because they are essential to human health. They cannot be produced by the body and must be introduced via our diet.

There are two major sources of EFA's: Seeds and fish. That's why you are often advised to eat oily fish. Actually fish is probably the worst source of EFA's due to the high pollution of the sea (and therefore the fish) and also the fact that much fish and fish oil (in capsules. i.e. cod liver oil) is not fresh and therefore the oils are rancid and thus rendered ineffective.

The best source of EFA's are to be found in organic, fresh, unprocessed seed, such as hemp, flax, sunflower, pumpkin or evening primrose. Bear in mind that these oils are very volatile and are destroyed by heat, light and age. The best way to consume EFA's is to eat handfuls of raw seeds. Once the seeds are taken above 96 degrees centigrade they turn carcinogenic, so cooked seeds are out the question (although very tasty). Another alternative is to use the oils from these seeds, although purists would agree that even by processing the oil some of the benefit is lost.

Another handy source ia a snack bar rich in EFA's but be warned - not all snack bars are the same. Look for the ones that are not cooked and are free from additives, margarine and sugar.

Rule of thumb: check the sell by date on the EFA - rich products, and ensure processing has not ruined the EFA status. EFA's start to deteriorate immediately after the seeds are cracked or processed.

In my humble opinion, the best way to access EFA's (apart from munching on the seeds themselves), is to make hemp seed milk. Here is the recipe.

1. Take a cupful or two of fresh organic hemp seed and add water. Sock for 24-48 hours.

2. When soaked, place in a blender with filtered water and blend.

3. Sieve through a fine mesh.

4. Work residue through blender a second time if you wish. Sieve again.

5. Drink immediately. Can be flavoured if required but the nutty hemp taste is one of natures true gifts.

6. Pay homage to the humble hemp seed (if you're into all that).

Another excellent way to access the benefits of EFA's is to make your smoothies. Basically, take a range of organic seeds and nuts, sling 'em in a blender and add fresh fruit and fresh juice. Superb for getting the stuff into small children and teenagers undetected.

A diet rich in essential fatty acids is known to assist many health problems, including some cancers, many skin complaints, joints and arthritis, and behavioural / energy problems

Tim, Yaoh.