From Laura Dolson,
Your Guide to Low Carb Diets.
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Definition: Essential fatty acids are fats that they body cannot make itself. The body can make almost any kind of fat out of building blocks called fatty acids, but there are a few that we need to get from our diets. There are two classes of fats which are essential: Omega-3 fatty acids, and Omega-6 fatty acids. There is general agreement that there has been a dramatic increase of Omega-6 fats in the diet, and that many people do not get enough omega-3 fat. Many feel that the ratio of the two which is important in protecting the body from inflammation, although there is disagreement on the optimal ratio.