What are Essential Fatty Acids
August 28th, 2009
Essential fatty acids are those that cannot be manufactured in your body, and must therefore be taken in your diet. In order to be essential, a fatty acid must also play a necessary role in the biological processes within your body, and represent a serious threat to your health were it missing.
The two families of essential fatty acids are the Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, originally known as Vitamin F until it was decided that they were fats as opposed to true vitamins. The main fatty acid in the Omega-3 group is alpha linolenic acid, with linoleic acid representing the Omega-6 family. Alpha linolenic acid is converted by the body’s biochemistry into to EPA (eiocosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), found in fish oils.
The balance between the two types of EFA is very important, and the American diet is too rich in Omega-6. Omega-3 has been found to help protect the heart against fatal heart disease and might also prevent diabetes and some forms of cancer. Omega-6 on the other hand, is inflammatory, and while we canot do without it, we should take more Omega-3 and less Omega-6 fatty acids in our diet. Sources of Omega-6 oils include sunflower oil, evening priomrose oil and corn oil, while Omega-3 is obtained from rapeseed oil, linseed, walnut and leafy green vegetables.
Omega 3 and omega 6 are available in softgel form at your local or internet health food store. It is advised that both omega 3 and 6 be purchased from name brand manufactures to ensure quality and purity of the product you purchase.
*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Essential fatty acids are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.
Entry Filed under: Health