What are fatty acids?

What are fatty acids ? - We often hear of fatty acids, saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated ... but really, do we know what they are?

Fat is what we thought at the sight of his name and, indeed, are a component of this.

I will try to explain what are the simplest way possible, as the terminology and nomenclature used to define very specific branch of science, and I, I am of letters.

Several types of fatty acids

Fatty acids are composed of a carbon chain. When the string is complete, say no room for any element, this string can not be combined with other molecules because all their binding sites are saturated. Then we say that there is no double bond in the carbon chain.

When the chain is not complete, ie, there are gaps in it, is when talking of unsaturated fatty acids. They correspond to fats that are liquid at room temperature.

These, in turn, can be of two types. Polyunsaturated, which have the potential to be combined from different points of chain link (dual link) and monounsaturated when only have a focal point.

Saturated fatty acids

Because they can not be combined, they are more difficult to use by the body and harder to digest if too eat. Excessive consumption of saturated fatty acids adversely affects the rate of cholesterol, especially the bad LDL.

These fatty acids are found mainly in meat, cold cuts, poultry skin, milk, dairy products and some vegetables, such as coconut and chocolate.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids

Omega 3 and Omega 6

These essential fatty acids can not be synthesized by the human body, so they must be supplied by the diet. They can be both plant and animal origin.

Of animal origin are found in fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel, anchovies, herring, sardines). The consumption of fatty fish helps lower cholesterol rate (of both) and triglycerides.

The vegetable correspond to the two essential fatty acids that sure you've heard many times: linoleic (omega 6) and alpha-linolenic acid (Omega 3).

Omega 6 is found in vegetable oil seeds (griasol and safflower, soybean, corn).

Omega 3 is found in seed oils and green leafy vegetables. Nuts, on which will try the next entry, are rich in both Omega 3 and Omega 6.

Unlike Omega 9 which can produce the body itself, the Omega 3 and 6, no.

The latter must be balanced way so that both substances can promote our health. The ratio of Omega 6 should be roughly two to four times greater than Omega 3. Consume these acids without a proper balance between the two can have a negative effect on our health, as it can contribute to the development of coronary diseases such or even promote cancer or arthritis.

MUFA

They are present in all animal and vegetable oils, especially olive oil (oleic acid, Omega 9) and some nuts such as almonds or peanuts fat.

Diets high in monounsaturated fatty acids are best act in preventing cardiovascular disease.

Have you ever stopped to think what type of fatty acids is the most you eat?

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What are fatty acids?

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