Of all the essential nutrients required for optimal health, fatty acids have not only been forgotten, they have been considered hazardous.
Health has somehow been equated with “low-fat”or “fat-free” for so long, to suggest that fats could be essential or even therapeutic is to risk credibility. Recommendations to view essential fatty acids in a similar fashion as essential vitamins and minerals will be combined with therapeutic protocols for conditions ranging from cardiovascular disease, skin conditions, diabetes, nerve related disorders, retinal disorders and more. A complete restoration of health cannot be accomplished until there is a restoration of fatty acid nutritional information among health care professionals and their patients.
So what are fats? Dietary fats come to us from a variety of sources, but primarily in the form of triglycerides. These fatty acids are then used as energy by our cells or modified into phospholipids to be used as cell or organelle membranes. Some fatty acids are used in lipoprotein molecules to shuttle cholesterol and fats to and from cells, and fats may also be stored for later use. While many debates are ongoing concerning the ideal level of fats in the overall diet, this review will focus only on the types of fats available in dietary or supplemental forms and how they either harm or benefit your health.
What's the difference between saturated fats & non-saturated fats? Saturated fats are harmful to body health and they are found in high amounts in things like butter, coconut oil, palm kernel oil and beef fat. Found primarily in vegetable oils, nut oils (almonds, walnut etc), and fish oils. It is in this category that both essential fatty acids are found.
EPA is an essential fatty acid. This essential fatty acid is an Omega 3 fat, which is found in cold water fish. EPA is highly unsaturated fat and these polyunsaturated fats play a very important role with the function of our bodies.
DHA is a building block of tissue in the brain and retina of the eye. It helps with forming neural transmitters, such as phosphatidylserine, which is important for brain function. DHA is found in the retina of the eye and taking DHA may be necessary for maintaining healthy levels of DHA for normal eye function.
Cardiovascular system - EPA and DHA are converted into hormone like substances called prostaglandins, and they regulate cell activity and healthy cardiovascular function.
Human growth and intellectual development - DHA plays a very important role during fetal development, early infancy, and old age. High concentrations of DHA are found in the brain and increases 300-500% in an infant's brain during the last trimester of pregnancy. Adding DHA to a pregnant mothers diet may be beneficial for the fetus's brain development.
Elderly people should also take EPA - DHA, because as we get older, our bodies form less DHA and EPA, which may cause less mental focus and cognitive function. Taking EPA - DHA may also help with mental abnormalities, such as Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia.
There are other benefits to taking EPA and DHA because it also plays as a source of energy, it insulates the body against heat loss, prevents skin from drying and flaking, and cushions tissues and organs.
Who should take EPA - DHA? Most people can benefit from taking EPA and DHA.
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