Essential Fatty Acids And Acai - Good For Your Health

Essential Fatty Acids (EFA): Acai is proving to be an excellent source of these EFA's, such as linoleic acid, omega-6 and omega-9. This exotic Rain Forest berry has most recently been proclaimed one of the most nutritious and powerful foods in the world. Its oil is rich in Omega-6, Omega-9 and other antioxidants like phytosterols, Vitamin C and polyphenols.

Omega-6: Acai has approximately 50% linoleic acid (omega-6) a polyunsaturated EFA that has been found to lower both LDL (harmful cholesterol) and HDL levels (beneficial cholesterol).

Omega-9: Açaí contains approximately 30% oleic acid (omega-9) a monounsaturated, EFA helps lower LDL (harmful cholesterol) while maintaining HDL (beneficial cholesterol) levels.

Omega-3, is an unsaturated fatty acid that is essential to human health, but cannot be manufactured in the body. EFAs are modified in the body to make eicosanoids – signaling molecules that exert complex control over many bodily systems, especially in inflammation, immunity and as messengers in the central nervous system. The networks of controls that depend upon eicosanoids are among the most complex in the human body.

The three most common forms of Essential Fatty Acids are Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9. Fish and olive oils are the most readily known sources of the omega fatty acids, but Acaí is an excellent source. Considering the levels of toxins in most fish these days and the over processing of olive oils, the açaí berry becomes an important source for omega fats. Acaí contains the very same balance of omega-6 and omega-9 as olive oil.

In a living cell you need to have a good mix of omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids to keep them healthy. EFAs put out the internal inflammation caused by metabolic fires. If you want to look younger, feel younger, and loose some weight – eat more EFAs.

Recent research has explored the role of EFAs in the nervous system health. These polyunsaturated fats function as components of nerve cells and cell membranes and are essential to the maintenance of healthy cell structure and bodily function. Supplementation with certain EFAs appears to be useful as a treatment for certain neurological disorders.

Many significant research projects have shown numerous health benefits to a diet high in unsaturated/polyunsaturated omega fatty acids. In fact, on September 8, 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave "qualified health claim" status to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) omega-3 fatty acids, stating that "supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease." For the FDA to allow such statements without the full weight of large pharmaceutical hands all over it truly tells the story of how important essential fatty acids are to your overall health.

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