Essential fatty acids (EFA) are group of nutrients which have been largely over looked and undervalued. These fatty acids can't be constructed within an organism from other compounds by a chemical pathway. These acids must be contained in diet. These are necessary fats that human can't synthesize. A survey concludes that male children need EFA in high amount as compare to female children.

Essential fatty acids are commonly known as saturated fat and that are derived from the animal resources such as lard, suet and butter. These are required for many crucial biochemical processes. They are necessary for growth of hair and skin. It also maintains the bone health and regulates the metabolism. It is helpful in maintaining the reproductive capability.

Benefits

EFAs are helpful in supporting cardiovascular, reproductive, immune system and nervous system. Our body indicates strong help of EFAs in repairing and manufacturing cell membranes. It also enables the cells to obtain optimum nutrition and expel harmful waste products.

The prime function of EFAs is the production of prostaglandins, which regulate body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, blood clotting, fertility, conception. It also plays a role in immune function by regulating inflammation and encouraging the body to fight infection. Essential Fatty Acids are also needed for proper growth in children, especially for neural development and maturation of sensory systems. Fetuses and breast-fed infants also require an adequate supply of EFAs through the mother's dietary intake.

Deficiency

Deficiency in essential fatty acids can lead to reduction in growth and scaly rash that are called dermatitis. Patient may have less ability to fight infection and thus results more time to heal wounds. The imbalance in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may lead to long term diseases such as heart disease, asthma, cancer, depression and arthritis.

Diet chart

If you want to get rid of this problem you should take a healthy diet that consist of roughly one omega-3 fatty acids to four omega-6 fatty acids. Oily fish is a prime source of fatty acids. Herring, tuna, salmon and cod supplies great amount of EFA. Plant sources of EFAs include flax seed oil, borage seed oil, evening primrose oil, and black currant oil.

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