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
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