Essential Fatty Acids for Health

The human body can make some fatty acids for itself, but specific fatty acids necessary for health can only be obtained from the diet. These are called essential fatty acids or EFAs. Sanmark specialty oils are all rich sources of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids that promote health and wellness.

A fatty acid is an unbroken chain of carbon atoms, normally between 16 and 24 atoms long with an acid group at one end. Plant oils are primarily triglycerides, three fatty acid molecules joined to a molecule of glycerol. These individual fatty acids attached to the glycerol molecule define the nutritional and physical properties of plant oil. The triglyceride molecule is broken down during digestion and releases individual fatty acids into the body. At first glance, fatty acid molecules are very similar, but each type of fatty acid affects the body differently and can either promote health or damage health. For instance, it is well known that excess saturated fats (fatty acids with no double bonds) are bad for your health, whereas polyunsaturated fats (two or more double bonds) are generally more beneficial.