Fatty Acids provide energy for the body and are among the main components of healthy cells; they contain more than twice the number of calories (nine Calories per gram) than proteins or carbohydrates.
In biochemistry, a fatty acid is a long chain organic acid, either saturated or unsaturated. Fatty acids are assumed to have at least 8 carbon atoms. Most natural fatty acids have an even number of carbon atoms, because their biosynthesis involves acetate which has two carbon atoms.
Free fatty acids are fatty acids that are not attached to other molecules.
Fatty acids can be bound or attached to other molecules, like triglycerides or phospholipids. Free fatty acids are an important source of fuel for some cells (especially heart and skeletal muscle) and yield large quantities of ATP.
ALA (alpha linolenic acid) An "essential fatty acids" which our body cannot synthesize thus, must be consumed in the diet. Needed for the production of eicosanoids, which help regulate blood-clotting, blood pressure, heart rate, immune response and a wide variety of other biological processes. More...
Black Currant The oil, pressed from the seed, is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid (EFA). More...
Borage The oil, pressed from the seed, is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid (EFA). More...
CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) An isomer of Linoleic acid (means is that CLA has a slight rearrangement of its molecular structure) resulting in a fatty acid with altered chemical functions. It has an action similar to that of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil. More...
Croton Oil (Croton tiglium) Crotonis Oleum is the oil prepared from the seeds of the tree native to India and the Malay Islands. A brownish or pale-yellow , foul-smelling oil obtained from the seeds of a tropical Asian shrub or small tree (Croton tiglium) and formerly used as a drastic purgative and counterirritant. Its use was discontinued because of its toxicity. More...
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), usually derived from fish oils, are highly bioavailable forms of omega-3 for humans, the building block of human brain and eye tissue. The brain relies on this essential fatty acid to function optimally. More...
EFA (essential fatty acid) Essential fatty acids are those fatty acids that your body needs, yet cannot synthesize itself. Fatty acids are the building blocks of fats. The essential fatty acids are important in many metabolic processes, including energy production. Our bodies cannot make them, they must be consumed in the diet to optimize health. More...
Evening Primrose (oenothera biennis) Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid, is the active ingredient in evening primrose oil, is a precursor of prostaglandins, a shortage of which may cause the mood changes and cramping experienced by many women suffering from PMS and may impr A small yellow wildflower used medicinally for centuries. The seed oil, pressed from the seed, is rich source of GLA, derived from linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid from the omega 6 family. More...
Flax Flax Seed Oil is a rich source of alpha linolenic acid an essential omega-3 fatty acid, and contains other fatty acids necessary for correct metabolic function and optimal health. Flax seed oil increases the effectiveness of the B-complex vitamins, and in the early stages of life is important in the formation of the brain and prevention of mental retardation. Promotes positive changes in blood chemistry such as: reducing serum triglyceride levels, reducing levels of low density lipoproteins (LDL's), and increases levels of high density lipoproteins (HDL's). These are all positive effects toward reducing the possibility of heart disease. It may provide a potential for dietary control of auto-immune disorders such as allergies and rheumatic arthritis. Flax Seed contains a high quantity of the enzyme Lipase. Flax seed is a bowel lubricant and a bulk maker in the process of elimination. Helpful in healing the body by enriching the blood and strengthening the nerves. More...
Olive Oil Extra-virgin olive oil is the most digestible of the edible fats: it helps to assimilate vitamins A, D and K; it contains so-called essential acids that cannot be produced by our own bodies; it slows down the aging process; and it helps bile, liver and intestinal functions. More...
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