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Healthy Diet Plans >>  Fats >>  Essential Fatty Acids

Essential Fatty Acids


Essential fatty acids are called as fatty acids and are abbreviated as EFA’s. These Essential fatty acids all animals and humans should ingest for their good health as the body requires all these fatty acids. These Essential fatty acids cannot be made form any of the food components. There are those fatty acids that are required for the purpose of fuel for the body and those that are required for the biological purposes.

Essential fatty acids mainly of different kinds, these are mainly the alpha-linolenic acid which is  an omega-3 fatty acid, and also the linolenic acid, which is an omega-6 fatty acid. Omega-6 fatty acids are always considered to be the essential fatty acids: They are vital for human health however the body is unable to make them.
One has to get them mainly through food. Along with the omega-3 fatty acids, the omega-6 fatty acids do help in playing a crucial role in the functioning of the brain. They are also essential for normal growth and also the development of the human body. They are known also as the polyunsaturated fatty acids or the PUFAs.  They help to stimulate the skin and also the hair growth. They are also vital to help in maintaining bone health, in regulating the metabolism, and also in maintaining the human reproductive system. A healthy diet is a diet that also contains a proper balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are found to be helpful in reducing any inflammation. But some of the omega-6 fatty acids are found to increase inflammation.

Some omega-3 fatty acids foods include fresh fruits, whole grains and vegetables. They can also be found in olive oil, fish, garlic, and also in a moderate consumption of wine. Some of the Omega-6 fatty acids are found to be beneficial in treating some of health conditions like in treating Diabetic neuropathy. Gamma linolenic acid when consumed for about 6 to 7 months may help in reducing symptoms of the nerve pain that people get when afflicted with the disease diabetic neuropathy. It also helps those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Various allergies are also found to reduce when one has a diet that is high in the essential fatty acids of omega 3 and omega 6. Those suffering from attention deficit disorders also benefit from consumption of these essential fatty acids. They are also helpful in the treatment of breast cancer and eczemas as well as in the treatment of high blood pressure.
Submitted on January 16, 2014