subject: Vitamin F Fatty Acids [print this page] Vitamin F is often talked about when mentioning the essential fatty acids or EFA. It consist of the fatty acids: linoleic or LA and alpha-linoleic acid or LNA. LA is the most complete fatty acid of the two. LA and LNA are also the two basic types of Essential Fatty Acids. Omega 3 and omega 6 contain both LA and gamma-linoleic acid. These are essential fatty acids or EFA since our body is not able to produce them on its own]. It is also responsible for repairing and making new tissues in our body.
In the absence of fatty acids, our cells would not be as healthy, our hormones could get out of control and our immune system may not work properly allowing us to contact many illnesses. Our cholesterol levels could get out of control. Skin tissues would be dry and you would appear older. You hair would be dull, no shine to it. You could be going bald.
The lack of vitamin F could lead to the development of eczema. There may even be damage to your kidneys, you could be having heart trouble and you liver may be affected. All because of not getting enough vitamin F fatty acids.
You may try to cry but no tears will flow, the ducts could have quit working and may have dried up. Blood pressure is going up and you could develop blood clots leading to heart disease. A lack of energy and depression could set in.
It appears that the addition of vitamin F is very important to your diet. Getting this fatty acid into your diet could be your life saver, even without your being actually aware about it. An impending disease may not happen that was developing before you started getting these fatty acids into your diet. Vitamin F helps your skin to heal, and enable your hair to grow.
The addition of vitamins B3, B6, C and D to the diet is also very important. They complement the effects of vitamin F and the fatty acids . Check your vitamins to be sure you are also getting sufficient zinc, magnesium and selenium. It is certainly not advisable to take vitamins more than the recommended dosage. Taking them in excess could be harmful to your health. 1 to 2 percent of your total calories a day of fatty acids should be sufficient.
If you are overweight and are suffering some of the effects of not enough vitamin F in your diet such as dry eyes, frequent inflammation, eczema, cracking nails and skin, dandruff, then you may need more than the Required dietary allowance.
Be aware that these vitamins, the omega's and vitamin F are sensitive to light and heat. Be sure to store them out of the light at home. They should be stored in a dark bottle.
Some of the foods that contain vitamin F or the fatty acids are: flax seeds, grape seeds,walnuts, soy bean oil, and avocados. They are also found in cold water oily fish such as salmon, tuna, halibut, mackerel and trout. Using flax seed oil, canola oil or walnut oil for the purpose of cooking has helped quite many people to reduce their cholesterol levels . The flavours these essential oils provide to the food is also great. Eating 2 servings of baked salmon, or some broiled trout each day are very good sources. Tuna also contains the fatty acids but not as much as salmon or trout.
Remember, it's never too late to start your way towards a healthier life by eating a diet rich in the foods your bodies require. If you are on medications or under the care of a doctor already, be sure to consult your doctor before including any medications to your diet, even if they are said to benefit your over all health. Combining them with medications you are already taking could cause other problems.
If you are still healthy, why not get started today on the road to better health for life.
