Essential Fatty Acids

Essential Fatty Acids

Each fatty acid has its own unique physiological effect in the body.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fatlike substance that is found in foods of animal origin in every
body cell. It is essential for cell building. Blood (serum) cholesterol travels in the
bloodstream. It is manufactured by the body and is also absorbed from some of the
foods we eat. Dietary cholesterol is found only in foods of animal origin. It is never in
foods from plant sources, even if they contain fat.

Their are two types of blood cholesterols: "good" cholesterol (HDL blood cholesterol)
and "bad" cholesterol (LDL blood cholesterol). Good cholesterol carries cholesterol
away from body cells to the liver so it can be broken down and excreted as waste.
Bad cholesterol circulates to body cells and carries cholesterol where it can be used.
Bad cholesterol is capable of forming deposits on artery and other blood vessel walls.
Both types of blood cholesterols are manufactured in the liver.

Monounsaturated Fatty Acids lower LDL blood cholesterol ("bad" chloesterol) and
raise HDL blood cholesterol ("good" cholesterol). Oils that are high in monosaturated
fatty acids are olive, canola, and nut oils.

Polysaturated Fatty Acids lower total blood cholesterol (both LDL and HDL
cholesterol levels). Polyunsaturated fatty acids can be found mostly in corn,
safflower, soybean, sesame, and sunflower seed oils. These fatty acids are also
found in seafood.

Saturated Fatty Acids trigger the liver to make more total and bad cholesterol
(LDL). They are contained mainly in animal-based foods such as meat, poultry,
buter, whole milk, and whole milk products. They are also found in tropical oils. For
many years health professionals believed that saturated fats were the cause of heart
disease. In recent years studies have been conducted in regions where highly
saturated fats such as coconut oil and palm oil are consumed. In most of those
regions, meat and dairy are also regularly consumed. The researchers found that in
those populations, heart disease is very rare. They discovered that the main cause of
heart disease is actually excessive consumption of trans fats and refined
carbohydrates such as processed flour and sugars instead of vegetables, legumes,
whole grains and fruits.

Trans Fatty Acids are formed during the process of hydrogenation. The
hydrogenated fats are actually unsaturated fats which have been processed to make
them stable and solid at room temperature. Hydrogenated fats were created for the
purpose of extending shelf life to packaged foods and they also have a higher melting
point. They are found in margarine, shortening, and many packaged foods such as
crackers and cookies. Trans fats raise blood cholesterol levels. Trans fats are not
essential and they do not promote good health. They increase the risk of coronary
heart disease by raising bad cholesterol levels and lowering good cholesterol levels.
Health authorities and organizations worldwide recommend that consumption of
trans fat be reduced to trace amounts.

Essential Fatty Acids: (Omega-3 and Omega-6)
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids are polyunsaturated. They are essential fatty acids that can
only be obtained from the foods that we eat. Eating foods that are high in Omega-3
fatty acids can help to reduce blood clotting in the arteries and also help to prevent
hardening of the arteries. Omega-3 fatty acids play a major roll in the prevention of
several conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. They are
essential for proper immune function and brain health. Foods that are high in
Omega-3 fatty acids are fatty fish such as salmon, albacore tuna, and mackerel.
Omega-3 fatty acids are also found in nuts, canola, and flax seed oils.

- Omega-6 Fatty Acids are also essential fatty acids that can only be obtained from
the foods that we eat. They may offer some protection against heart disease, but in
excess consumption they actually create adverse effects. Many health experts
suggest that excess consumption of Omega-6 fatty acids can increase the risk of
developing illnesses such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, arthritis, osteoperosis,
depression, and obesity. Excess of consumption of Omega-6 fatty acids interferes
with the health benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids. The recommended ratio of
consumption for Omega-3 fatty acids and Omega-6 fatty acids is 4-to-1.

Lauric Acid is the main acid in coconut oil and in palm kernel oil. It's also found in
smaller quantities in breast milk, cow's milk, and goat's milk. Lauric acid contains
antimicrobial properties and helps to raise metabolism.

Oleic Acid is the main acid in olive oil. It also makes up 15-20% of grape seed oil.
Oleic acid may hinder the progression of Adrenoleukodystrophy, a fatal disease that
affects the brain and adrenal glands. It may also help to boost memory. Oleic acid
may be responsible for the hypotensive (blood pressure reducing) effects of olive oil.

Deficiency of Essential Fatty Acids:
Symptoms of essential fatty acid deficiency include a dry scaly rash, decreased
growth in infants and children, increased susceptibility to infection, and poor wound
healing.

Toxicity (Healthy Fatty Acids Overdose):
Healthy fats should be consumed in moderation. Consuming large amounts of
healthy fats can cause excessive weight gain and other adverse side effects.
Essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) are neccassary for the proper
functioning of the body. Excess consumption of omega-6 fatty acids will cause
adverse side effects and increase the risk of developing illnesses. Heath organizations
recommend consuming essential fatty acids at a ratio of (omega-3 to omega-6)
4-to-1.

Foods High in Healthy Fatty Acids:
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids - salmon, tuna, sardines, flax seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.
- Omega 6 Fatty Acids - meat, dairy, walnuts, flax seed oil, hemp seed oil, pumpkin
seed oil, sesame seed oil, and evening primrose oil.
- Lauric Acid - coconuts, coconut oil, palm kernel oil
- Oleic Acid - olive oil and grape seed oil.

Sources:

American Dietetic Association: Complete Food And Nutrition Guide (2nd Edition)
Roberta Larson Duyff, MS, RD, FADA, CFCS

Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs and More
Pamela Wartian Smith, MD, MPH

University of Maryland Medical Center - umm.edu

Linus Pauling Institute - oregonstate.edu

Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia

Eating foods that are high in
essential fatty acids (EFAs) and
other healthy fatty acids can help
to prevent conditions such as
cancer, diabetes, heart disease,
Alzheimer's, vision problems, and
birth defects.

What are Fatty Acids?
Fatty acids are basic units of fat
molecules arranged as chains of
carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
Fats are mixtures of about 16
different fatty acids that are
categorized by their structure.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.