Dietary Fat Essential Fatty Acids

However the most important fats are those that the body cannot make and thus must come from the food we eat.

Dietary fat essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids some unsaturated fats are required in the diet and are therefore called essential fatty acids or efas. Fatty acids are classified chiefly based on their chemical structure as. These essential fatty acids efas are based on linoleic acid omega 6 group and alpha linolenic acid omega 3 g. Sfa because they have no double bonds in their chain.

Today researchers continue to learn more about the importance of dietary fat and essential fatty acids as well as the role that they play in promoting optimal health. This type of fat is found in a variety of foods and oils. Studies show that eating foods rich in monounsaturated fatty acids instead of saturated fats improves blood cholesterol levels which can decrease your risk of heart disease and may also help decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes. The term essential fatty acid refers to fatty acids required for biological processes but does not include the fats that only act as fuel.

Efas are fats that the body needs but cannot make on its own. Dietary fat also helps keep hair and skin healthy insulates the body protects organs and fills fat cells. While both alpha linolenic acid and linoleic acid are important the ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids should also be considered. All fats including saturated fatty acids have important roles in the body.

Essential fatty acids or efas are fatty acids that humans and other animals must ingest because the body requires them for good health but cannot synthesize them. The essential guide to nutrient requirements 126 table 2 major dietary fatty acids category of fatty acid specific fatty acids found in the diet caprylic acid 8 0a saturated fatty acids â â caproic acid 10 0 â lauric acid 12 0 â myristic acid 14 0 â palmitic acid 16 0 â stearic acid 18 0 cis monounsaturated. These fats are essential for many reasons. Omega 6 fatty acids are a type of essential fatty acid efa belonging to the same family as omega 3 fatty acids.

Dietary fats are composed primarily of fatty acids and cholesterol. They are an important component of cell membranes.