Essential Fatty Acids

Oil and fats are of either animal or vegetable origin. They provide energy for different metabolic activities. Chemically they are trimester of glycerol with fatty acids hence they are also called triglycerides or triaccylglycerol. Fatty acids are naturally occurring long chained saturated or unsaturated carboxylic acids with 12 to 20 carbon atoms. They are obtained by the hydrolysis of oils or fats. The main acids commonly forming oils and fats are:
1. Palmitic Acid
2. Stearic Acid,
3. Oleic Acid
4. Linoleic Acid
5. Linolenic Acid.

Oils are esters of glycerol with unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids.

Fats are esters of glycerol with saturated fatty acids i.e. palmitic and stearic acids etc. Chemically there is no difference between oils and fats as they are naturally occurring ester long-chain carboxylic acids and glycerols and are called TRIACYGLYCERIDES. The difference is only of physical state.
1. Oils Are Liquids At Ordinary Temperature (M.Pt. Below 20degree Centigrade), While Fats Are Solid (M.Pt. About 20 Degree Centigrade). Actually A Substance May Be Fat In One Season And Oil In The Other Season E.G. Coconut Oil.
2. Oils Contain Higher Proportion Of Glycerides Of Unsaturated Fatty Acids While Fats Contain High Proportion Of Glycerides Of Saturated Fatty Acids.

Drying oils contain large number of glycerides of unsaturated fatty acids as linoleic and linolenic acids. When exposed to air they undergo oxidation whereas double bonds open up forming peroxides which then polymeraise to form a dry, hard tough film. Non-drying oils contain negligible amount of glycerides of unsaturated fatty acids. When oil and fats are left exposed to warm, moist air for a long time, they give off offensive odour and become off-taste. This process is called rancidification. Rancidification is due to (1) hydrolysis of ester linkage to give original fatty acid of sour taste, and (2) oxidation at double bond forming volatile aldehydes of bad odour.

Essential fatty acids are those essential fatty acids in human nutrition psychologil which our body cannot synthesize so they must be taken as diet. The body requires essential fatty acids to work properly, essential fatty acids eicosinoids, which is a hormone-like substance which assists and regulates several, body functions together with inflammatory and immune system that is why essential fatty acids and the immune system...All essentials fatty acids are unsaturated i.e.

1. Linoleic Acid
2. Linolenic Acid
3. Arachidonic Acid

The functions of essential fatty acid (efa) are:
1. They Prevent Deposition Of Cholesterol In Arteries And Veins.
2. They Help In Reproductive Functions And Blood Clotting.

Essential fatty acid deficiency results in Children essential fatty acids deficiency may cause Loss of weight in children. Children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are usually caused by the low level of essential fatty acid in their bodies. Essential fatty acids and adhd treatment can cure many kids. Efa deficiency may also Development of eczema.

The Deficiencies of essential fatty acids may also cause some health problems for men that may also include some sexual problems which can be solved by taking the required supplements according to doctor’s advice. The primary sources of essential fatty acids are plants and green vegetables that are vital for good skin and hair. Efas and acne treatment can work together and many of the efas can help in reducing acne problems. Weight loss efa are a new way to lose weight. Essential fatty acids can also regulate menstruation cycle and control mood swings.