“This is actually in reference to your Raw Secrets book. You said that fats shouldn't be eaten as much and that we should be careful of them. My question is... what about all these essential fatty acids (EFA) that the raw and vegan diets are missing. There is the Omega 3's, 6's, and 9's. I know some of them we need to get from outside sources. What do you think is the best way to get all these?”
ANSWER: In raw, mostly raw or vegan diets, there are no missing EFAs. In a healthy person, the short-chain fatty acids are created from other EFAs found in food -- there is no need for taking fish oil, EFA supplements, etc. That conversion may be compromised in an unhealthy person, in that case the solution is not to supplement with EFAs but to correct the cause - the wrong mode of living, and improve absorption.
In a fruit/vegetables based diet, you'll find sufficient quantities of EFAs. If you add in a few walnuts, seeds, etc., you'll get all of the EFAs you possibly need. I do not recommend any type of oil or EFA supplement.
Quoting Dr. McDougall:
"In man, pure deficiency of EFA has been studied mostly in persons fed intravenously. However, sensitive tests have found deficiencies in elderly patients, people with fat malabsorption diseases, and after serious accidents or burns. EFA deficiency does not occur in people following low-fat diets, because these diets are high in vegetable foods, rich in EFA."
