Essential Fatty Acids

Essential Fatty Acids

There are two types of essential fatty acids - Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids. These are polyunsaturated fatty acids that cannot be synthesized by the body and must therefore be obtained from diet.

Omega-9 fatty acid ( Oleic acid ) is considered as non-essential fatty acid can be synthesized by man. Its source is Animal fat.

Omega-6 essential fatty acids are derived from vegetables sources such as primrose oil and corn oil. They are available in commonly used cooking oils such as sunflower oil and corn oil, that contain linolenic acid and gamma-linolenic acid.

Omega-3 essential fatty acids is found in fish and some other oils. It includes alphalinolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Omega-6 fatty acids offer a variety of potential therapeutic uses : -

In diabetics, omega -6 fatty acids supplementation lowers glycerated hemoglobin (HbA1) and helps to prevent complications such as neuropathy, cataract and retinopathy.

It may prevent heart diseases by lowering cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure.

It may be beneficial in dry-eye conditions.

Some examples of Omega Fatty Acids

Omega-3 FA	Alpha Linolenic acid	Soya, flaxseeds, fenugreek
	Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)	Marine foods
	Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)	Marine source, Mother's milk
Omega-6 FA	Linoleic acid (LA)	All vegetarian & non-vegetarian (except marine) foods
	Gamma linolenic acid (GLA)	Evening primrose oil, mother's milk
	Arachidonic acid (AA)	Groundnut oil, eggs
Omega-9 FA	Oleic acid	Animal fat

Click here for benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids

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