The Importance of Essential Fatty Acids in Your Diet

The Importance of Essential Fatty Acids in Your Diet

Fatty acids are the main constituents of lipids, divided into three families: saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (which include the essential fatty acids omega 3 and 6).

Fats provide the essential fatty acids (not synthesized by our bodies) contained in the lipids that make up the cell membrane, playing a role in the proper functioning of neurons, sensory and immune cells. They are also an important source of energy.

The diet generally covers omega 6 intake (if meat and non-exclusively 0% fat products are consumed) and sometimes even in excess, which is not the case for omega 3. The omega 3/6 ratio should be 1:5 (with a minimum of 2g/dr of omega 3), which means either supplementing with omega 3 without increasing your omega 6 intake, or reducing your omega 6 intake.

Rapeseed oil has a ratio of around 1:2 in omega 3/6 (the lowest ratio), so it is recommended for use as a seasoning. Caloric lipid intake should be around 25% of total daily caloric intake.

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