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Essential Fatty Acids

In This Section:
Why Our Bodies Need Fats
Essential Fatty Acids
Triglycerides Levels
Cholesterol Levels
Lipoproteins
Dietary Guidelines

Essential Fatty Acids Are:


Linoleic, Linolenic, Arachidonic Acids

Linolenic and arachidonic can be made from linoleic acid in the body. These are found in vegetable oils.


These are needed to:


Strengthen cell membrane and capillary structure
Combines with cholesterol and helps to transport it in the blood
Helps with the metabolism of cholesterol, and lowers blood cholesterol
Helps to regulate blood clotting time
Involved with inflammatory response
Is needed to form prostaglandins which have a variety of roles such as contraction of smooth muscles and muscle tone, blood clotting, regulation of blood pressure and many other functions.


Symptoms of essential fatty acid deficiency


Thirst
Dry dull hair
Scaly skin
Exzema
Impaired wound healing
Inadequate amounts can contribute to heart disease and possibly arthritis


Amount needed to prevent fatty acid deficiency


At least 2% - 5% of the calories in your diet should come from linoleic acid to prevent essential fatty acid deficiency. This is about 2 teaspoons per day of vegetable oils, especially canola, safflower, and soybean oil.

 

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Related Resources

Wikipedia.org: Essential Fatty Acids
Goodfats.com: Essential Fatty Acids
Oregonstate.edu: Essential Fatty Acids

 

Related Articles

Importance of Carbohydrates
Importance of Water
Why Our Bodies Need Fats

 

Videos

Youtube.com: Essential Fatty Acids

 

Books

Amazon.com: Essential Fatty Acids

 

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Google News: Essential Fatty Acids

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support groups

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