What Is Alpha Linolenic Acid?

You could say that Alpha linolenic acid (ALA) is a vegetable omega 3 fatty acid.

It is similar to the omega 3 fatty acids that you find in fish oil (EPA) and (DHA). ALA can to some extent be converted into EPA and DHA in the body.

Alpha linolenic acid is an essential fatty acid, which the body cannot produce on its own and that has to be acquired through diet.

One of the best sources is flaxseed oil, but you can also find it, to a lesser extent, in canola, soy, and walnut oils.

Health Benefits

Many studies are now suggesting that ALA and other omega 3 fatty acids may help in treating a variety of conditions, especially heart disease and problems that contribute to heart disease, such as high blood pressure.

Other conditions that omega 3 fatty acids may help in treating are arthritis, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and depression.

It is also suggested that it helps protect against some infections and breast cancer, and treat a variety of conditions, such as ulcers, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), preterm labor, emphysema, psoriasis, and glaucoma.

Omega 3 fatty acids are the kind of fat you don’t have to be afraid to consume in large quantities. As long as you stay within the calorie range you have decided on, feel free to snack on, for example, walnuts, even though they are not considered “low-calorie”-food.

With you on the weigh,
Eva

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