Herbal Medicines
Omega fatty acids / Essential fatty acids.
Just like certain amino acids, human body is unable to synthesize a few important fatty acids and therefore are to be supplied through our diet. These “Essential fatty acids” are the ones possessing 2 or 3 double bonds like linoleic and linolenic acids. They are known by a more common term “Omega fatty acids”.
For those who are not familiar with the term Omega fatty acids, they are named based on the position of double bonds in relation to the last carbon atom of the fatty acid chain i.e. the “omega carbon” (the last position is always labeled as ω (omega), which is the last letter in the Greek alphabet). Most of us have learned the IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry which is the sole authority of naming of chemical compounds) name in which the first carbon with an acid group is labeled as 1 or α (alpha- the first letter of Greek alphabet) and double bonds are indicated by the first C in the double bond . This double bond is represented by “Δ “ (delta which translates into “D” for Double bond)). Thus Linoleic acid with 2 double bonds is technically “Δ9, Δ12, cis, cis, octadecadienoic acid” indicating that the double bonds are on the 9th and 12thcarbon atom. But in “Omega system”, the last carbon (on the other end of –COOH group) is considered as 1st and the double bonds are labeled in relation to this. Thus Linoleic acid is called omega-6 fatty acid. Linolenic acid with 3 double bonds at 9,12 and 15 carbon is termed as omega-3 fatty acid, because from omega carbon, the double bond is in 3rd carbon (16th Carbon) (See the figure)
In human physiology there are three types of omega−3 fatty acids α- linolenic acid found in flax seeds and many other plants, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexenoic acid (DHA), the latter two found in fish oils, and other animal sources.. Though EPA and DHA are not available in plants, our body can convert ALA to EPA and DHA, albeit in small amountssuggested
Omega fatty acids form an important ingredient in cell membranes and brain cells. Being liquid at ordinary temperature, they contribute to the fluid part in fluid-mosaic nature of cell membranes and thus are of great significance in membrane transport and signals. The main function of Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is to produce chemicals called eicosanoids, which help reduce inflammation and symptoms of depression. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) makes up about 8% of brain weight and is extremely important for normal brain development and function. In addition, all these fatty acids increase "good" HDL cholesterol and reduce triglycerides, formation of arterial plaques and blood pressure.
Other suggested benefits of these compounds are : 1. Reducing symptoms of depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. 2. Slimming. 3. Supporting brain development in babies. 4. Fighting inflammation. 5.Preventing dementia. 6. Promoting bone health and 7. Preventing asthma:
Sources of Omega 3’s include flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, soybean, walnuts, and dark green vegetables (because all green foods contain Omega-3 in their chloroplasts) and cereal grasses (wheat & barley grasses).
Source: Google search engine.
Mammen Daniel
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