Essential Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids are a central part of bodily health and wellbeing. Fats are an important source of energy storage, allowing energy to be efficiently stored until it is needed as energy. Fats also promote a number of healthy bodily functions such as tissue flexibility and resilience, and form a portion of the membranes that surround cells. The human body synthesizes a number of fatty acids from other sources of energy like carbohydrates, but cannot manufacture some of the most important fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are vital for optimal body health and must be ingested through dietary sources.

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Benefits:
*Substantial benefits for overall health and wellbeing
*Supports cardiovascular, liver, and kidney functions
*Stimulates and regulates mental and immune capacity
*Maintains, regenerates, and repairs cells

Alpha-linolenic acid is a type of omega-3 essential fatty acid and is a fundamental element in many bodily functions such as cardiovascular health, asthma control, and alleviation of irritable bowel symptoms. Alpha-linolenic acid can be found in flax and fish oils and is thought to decrease the risk of breast cancer. Alpha-linolenic acid is an important source of supplementation, deficiency of this important essential fatty acid can lead to many degenerative diseases like heart disease and cancer, arthritis, skin conditions, diabetic neuropathy, immune function, and premenstrual syndrome.

Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid also known as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). CLA is classified as an omega-6 essential fatty acid found in various vegetable oils. Studies of CLA have found that supplementation of the essential fatty acid can potentially combat cancer cells, reduce blood cholesterol and boost the immune system. CLA is a potent source of energy that is converted by the body into other elements like prostaglandins. Prostaglandins perform many functions in the body, from stimulating the immune system and regulating brain functions to lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of blood clots. CLA imbalance can have some detrimental effects and can potentially lead to mental disorders like hyperactivity, depression, brain allergies, and schizophrenia.

Lauric acid is another essential fatty acid and is found in human and cow’s milk and coconut and palm oils. Lauric acid has some anti-microbial properties that help to fight off bacterial infections. Lauric acid performs a number of functions in combating the most prominent species of bacteria responsible for acne. Some acne treatments can be damaging to the skin, such as benzoyl peroxide, and lauric acid is a good substitute for this treatment that has less impact on the skin.

Palmitoleic acid is an essential fatty acid that has been linked to a decreased risk of diseases like type 2 diabetes. Palmitoleic acid can be found in many diary products and helps to maintain healthy blood cholesterol levels, proper insulin sensitivity and normal levels of inflammation.

Evening primrose oil is a significant source of supplementation for gamma-linoleic acid, which is an essential fatty acid that is difficult for some people to consume. Because evening primrose oil contains relatively high amounts of gamma-linoleic acid compared to other sources, approximately 9%, it is considered a vital source of supplementation for individuals who have consumed excessive amounts of alcohol, have low thyroid function, or who receive radiation treatments often. Digesting gamma-linoleic acid from a direct source like evening primrose oil can significantly help the body maintain, recover and repair the body.

Evening primrose oil is also recognized as a substantial source of relief for pain associated with arthritis, controlling diabetes and damage inflicted to the liver and kidney from alcohol abuse, and also has positive results in terms of depression, multiple sclerosis, skin repair, and PMS symptoms.