Foods With Fatty Acids & Amino Acids

Foods With Fatty Acids & Amino Acids
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A healthy body requires a certain amount of fatty acids. These essential fatty acids, referred to as EFAs, help to support a healthy cardiovascular and immune system. You must consume these EFAs through your diet as the body cannot naturally produce them. A healthy body also needs essential amino acids to build an adequate supply of protein. You must also consume these amino acids through various types of foods.

Omega-3

Omega-3 is a type of essential fatty acid that is required to maintain a healthy body. According to Good Fats, the human body utilizes the components of the omega-3 fatty acid to maintain healthy organs and strong cell walls. You can take in the omega-3 fatty acid by consuming various types of nuts and seeds, including walnuts, sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds. Omega-3 fatty acids are also present in such vegetables as avocados, spinach leaves and collard greens. You can also consume the essential omega-3 fatty acid through fish, including albacore tuna, salmon and sardines. Various oils also contain an abundant source of omega-3. According to Good Fats, you can absorb an adequate amount of essential fatty acids by consuming 1 tbsp. of flaxseed oil on a daily basis.

Omega-6

Omega-6 is another essential fatty acid that you should consume in your daily diet. The human body converts the components of the omega-6 fatty acid to aid in the fight against rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. Omega-6 fatty acids have also been found beneficial in clearing up skin disorders such as eczema. You can consume omega-6 fatty acids through seeds and nuts, including sunflower seeds, pistachios and pine nuts. Vegetables such as soybeans and corn also contain the valuable omega-6 fatty acid. You can also absorb omega-6 by eating chicken.

Amino Acids

According to FAQs, the body requires 20 amino acids to act as the "building blocks of protein." The body is able to naturally produce 11 of these essential amino acids while the remaining nine must be consumed through a healthy diet. You can absorb these essential amino acids through meats, including chicken, fish, beef and pork. Vegetarians must turn to other sources to take in these amino acids. You can eat various types of dried beans if you prefer to stay away from meats and other animal products. These include kidney beans as well as both black and white beans. Dairy products, including milk and cheese, also remain a vital source of amino acids.

References

Article reviewed by David Bill Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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