Benefits of Essential Fats in Diet |
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Benefits of Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fatty AcidsEssential fatty acids (EFAs) are nutritional elements our bodies cannot produce, so we need to incorporate them into our diets. There are two main types of EFAs: Omega 3 fatty acids are contained in fish oils and some plant oils. Omega 6 fatty acids are contained in plant oils. These EFAs are as vital to our health as vitamins, and although our diets tend to be rich in Omega 6 fatty acids, many Western diets are low in Omega 3 fatty acids. This may be due to lower consumption of fish and the desire for "low fat" foods. Regular consumption of fish can lower blood pressure levels and ultimately reduce cardiovascular risk. Fish oil rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin E may also help delay the progress of certain autoimmune diseases. Numerous medical studies, conducted on animals, have shown that the consumption of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids can even slow the growth of cancer xenografts, increase the efficacy of chemotherapy, and reduce the side effects of the chemotherapy or cancer.
The Missing Link – Omega 3Some scientists believe that the lack of Omega 3 fatty acids in the Northern European diet is directly linked to the proportionately high levels of Western degenerative diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, allergies, asthma, arthritis, and even certain brain function disorders such as ADHD and depression. Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids enhance thermogenesis, help build muscle, prevent muscle break down, and speed recovery from fatigue, so they are also the answer to most athletes’ prayers! They help your body conserve carbohydrates while simultaneously shedding fat. EFAs will help keep your mood and energy up and suppress your appetite, thereby aiding weight loss. More recently, they have been found to block the genes that produce fat in the body (saturated and trans fat do not have this same effect). These two fats are extremely vital to our metabolism because of their chemical structure. They can be used to make hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, which regulate a host of other functions in the body. However, these fats cannot be synthesized by the body, which is why we rely on getting them from our diet.
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