Among Polyunsaturated fats we find the two most important fatty acids: linolenic acid, also known as omega 3 fatty acid; and linoleic, also known as omega 6 fatty acid. These two are called “essential fatty acids” because they are essential for to life and health.
The omega number describes where the important carbon atom is located on the fat molecule. If this atom is third from the end, the fatty acid is known as omega 3 fatty acid (omega is the last letter of the Greek alphabet and means “end”). If it is sixth from the end, it is known as an omega 6 fatty acid.
The body requires about twenty fatty acids in order to live and operate. However, the human body can make them all but two of these: linolenic and linoleic. They can only be supplied by food or supplements. Omega fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fats that are especially healthy. They have a valuable role in reducing the risk of heart disease by lowering the blood pressure, protecting against plaque build up in the arteries and building healthy brain cells.
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