The importance of essential fatty acids in food

Much attention has been focused on the need to limit dietary intake. Nevertheless, the body does need fats – but the right fats and in appropriate quantities. Specifically, it needs essential fatty acids, which perform a variety of vital bodily functions.

Fatty acids in foods occur mainly in the form of esters with the alcohol glycerol. The predominant esters are tricayglycerols accompanied by minor amounts of mono- and diacylglycerols and free fatty acids.

Essential fatty acids profoundly influence the health of the human body, including brain and immune system function. Essential fatty acids carry the fat soluble vitamins. They are essential for growth and development, and for the maintenance of healthy skin, hair and nails. And they provide the body with energy. A variety of problems can occur if the body fails to receive adequate amounts of essential fatty acids.

Signs of deficiency may include retarded growth; skin hair and nail disorders; and an impaired metabolism of fats and fat soluble vitamins.

Two fatty acids that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be provided by the diet: the essential fatty acids Linoleic acid and alpha linolenic acid are polyunsaturated fatty acids. If the diet lacks adequate amounts of either linoleic or alpha linolenic acid, deficiency symptoms will develop that include scaly skin, hair loss, and slow wound healing.
The importance of essential fatty acids in food

Deficiency of manganese

A deficiency of manganese (which is extremely rare) may lead to atherosclerosis, confusion, eye problems, hearing problems, heart disorders, high cholesterol levels, hypertension irritability, memory loss, muscle contradiction, pancreatic damage, profuse perspiration, rapid pulse, teeth grinding, tremors and a tendency towards breast ailments.

Although people who consume normal varied diets do not appear to be at risk for manganese deficiency, certain disorders may cause suboptimal status.

Manganese deficiency has been shown to lead to bone demineralization and impaired growth in children, decreased serum cholesterol levels and a transient skin rash in young men, and mildly abnormal glucose tolerance in young women.
Deficiency of manganese

Calcium in Our Body: Function and Deficiency

Calcium in Our Body: Function and Deficiency
Calcium is vital for the formation of strong bones and teeth and for the maintenance of healthy gums. It is also important in the maintenance of a regular heartbeat and in the transmission of nerve impulses.

Calcium lowers cholesterol levels and helps prevent cardiovascular disease. It is needed for muscular growth and contraction, for the prevention of muscle cramps. It may increase the rate of bone growth and bone mineral density in children.

This important mineral is also essential in blood clotting and helps prevent cancer. It may lower blood pressure and prevent bone loss associated with osteoporosis as well. Calcium provides energy and participates in the protein structuring of RNA and DNA.

It is also involved in the activation of several enzymes, including lipase, which breaks down fats for utilization by the body. In addition, calcium maintains proper cell membrane permeability, aids in neuromuscular activity, helps to keep the skin healthy, and protects against the development of preeclampsia during pregnancy, the number one cause of maternal death. If high blood pressure develops due to pregnancy, it can be reduced by calcium intake.

Calcium protects the bones and teeth from lead by inhibiting absorption of this toxic metal. If there is a calcium deficiency, lead can be absorbed by the body and deposited in the teeth and bones.

Calcium deficiency can lead to the following problems: arching joints, brittle nails, eczema, elevated blood cholesterol, heart palpitation, hypertension (high blood pressure), insomnia, muscle cramps, nervousness, numbness in the arms and/or legs, a pasty complexion, rheumatoid arthritis, rickets and tooth decay.

Deficiencies of calcium are also associated with cognitive impairment convulsions, depression, delusions and hyperactivity.
Calcium in Our Body: Function and Deficiency