Why is the ratio so important? "The bottom line: Without balanced intake of omega-3s and omega-6s, our health suffers," wrote Marie Moneysmith in Basic Health Publications User's Guide to Good Fats and Bad Fats. "We get fewer of the omega-3 benefits to our cardiovascular and nervous systems, and good HDL cholesterol levels may drop, a side efect of too many omega-6s."

There are ways to get the right ratio fo essential fatty acids. ONe way is through nutritional oils, which can provide necessary EFAs as well as the health benefits that can't be found in, let's say, a Happy Meal.

In their seminal reference book, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Dr. James Balch and the late Phyllis Balck, C.N.C., outlined several such oils.

Emu Oil - An excellent source of linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and oleic acids, all of which have anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used topically for a number of problems, including skin bites and poison ivy.

Fish Oil - This is a good source of omega-3s, with salmon, makcere, menhanden, herring, and sardines favored because they have a higher fat content.

Flaxseed Oil - Rich in essential fatty acids, several studies have shown it can reducce pain, inflammation, and arthritis. Dr. Balch and Ms. Balch also wrote that it has helped lower blood cholesterol and helped reduce the hardening effects of cholesterol on cell membranes.

Flaxseed also has tremendous benefits and is a terrific addition to shakes, salads, and yogurt.

Grape Seed Oil - Like flaxseed, it's ideal for cooking. It can be heated at temperatures up to 485 degrees F and has a "light, nutty taste that brings out the flavors in many foods," Dr. Balch and Ms. Balch wrote. Also, it has no cholesterol, no sodium, and it has among the lowest amount of saturated fats among the EFAs.

Primrose Oil - It contains 9 to 10 percent gamma linolenic acid, a beneficial omega-6. It's been known to "help prevent hardening of the arteries, heart disease, premenstrual syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and high blood pressure."

Also, "it relieves pain and relieves inflammation; enhances estrogen and testosterone; aids in lowering cholesterol levels; and is beneficial for cirrhosis of the liver," according to Dr. Balch and Ms. Balch.