Not all fats are bad. In fact, most of us know that olive oil and fish oil are good for health. Read on for the many health benefits attributable to essential fatty acids.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)
- What is it? Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are necessary fats that our body cannot synthesize, and must be obtained through diet. EFAs are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from linolenic, linoleic, and oleic acids.
- Health Benefits. Essential fatty acids are probably most well-known for their role in lowering blood cholesterol levels. The fact is, EFAs play also an important role in the proper functioning of the cardiovascular, reproductive, immune, and nervous systems.
The health benefits are many - from nourishment to the hair and skin to aiding in the production of the hormone prostaglandins, which regulate body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, blood clotting, fertility, conception, and immune function.