Fatty Acids

Fatty acids are acids produced when fats are broken down. They are considered “good fats.” These acids are not highly soluble in water, and they can be used for energy by most types of cells. They may be monounsaturated, (at least one pair of carbon atoms is joined by a double bond.) Unsaturated fatty acids can bind with water saturated cannot.

A fatty acid that has more than one double bond is called polyunsaturated. Most vegetable oils (liquid fat) are polyunsaturated or can be saturated-(appears to build up cholesterol in the blood). Unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats help to lower the cholesterol in the blood. All the mentioned fats are organic, or in other words, they contain both carbon and hydrogen molecules. Most fats consist of one molecule of glycerine, combined with three molecules of fatty acids. Each fatty acid is a long chain of carbon atoms with hydrogen atoms attached to them. The fatty acid molecules are linked to the glycerine molecule to form a molecule of fat.

Fatty acids are found in oils and other fats that make up different foods. They are an important part of a healthy diet, because the body needs them for several purposes. Fatty acids help move oxygen through the bloodstream to all parts of the body. They aid cell membrane development, strength, and function, and they are necessary for strong organs and tissue.

Triglyceride is glyceride in which the glycerol is esterified with three fatty acids. It is the main constituent of vegetable oil and animal fats. The three fatty acids can be all different, all the same, or only two the same, they can be saturated or unsaturated fatty acids. Chain lengths of the fatty acids in naturally occurring triglycerides can be of varying lengths but 16, 18 and 20 carbons are the most common. Natural fatty acids found in plants and animals are typically composed only of even numbers of carbon atoms due to the way they are bio-synthesised.

Fatty Acids and beautiful skin:

Fatty acids also help keep skin healthy, help prevent early aging. They should be present in skincare as Shea butter, Jojoba oil, Macadamia nut oil, Evening Primrose oil etc. to support the natural sebum layer of the skin, helping to protect it from sun damage, dehydration and infection.

Fatty Acids may promote weight loss by helping the body process cholesterol. More importantly, they help rid the arteries of cholesterol build up. Another purpose of fatty acids is to assist the adrenal and thyroid glands, which may also help regulate weight.

There are different types of fatty acids. You have most likely heard of certain types, such as Omega-3. Omega-3 is considered an “essential” fatty acid, as is Omega-6. There is one other, Omega-9, but this type can be readily produced by the body, while the other two types cannot.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are found in fish and certain plants. Since they cannot be produced in the body, they must be ingested in the form of foods or natural supplements. However, it is important to discuss all supplements with your healthcare provider before you begin taking them.