EFAs are Essential Fatty Acids for Your Body

Proponents of low-carb diets believe this is the reason why consuming the wrong carbs leads to an intake of extra calories. All the fuss over low-carb diets versus low-fat diets is completely irrelevant if neither menu plan will work for you. Although there are some differences in how the diets deliver a metabolic advantage, controlling food cravings and keeping hunger pangs at bay are critical for long-term weight loss success. Your body’s preference for certain foods may be the deciding factor in which diet is going to be easier to follow. Nowadays, dieters often pair low carb with higher protein and low-fat diets with a higher intake of good fats. If you are trying to reach and maintain an optimal weight, consider the advantages of working with a weight loss specialist who understands what is needed when an individual is underweight, normal weight or overweight.

Personalized Menus Can Balance Fatty Acid Intake

EFAs are a special type of good fats that play a role in nutrition, health, and chronic disease. Listed below are fatty acids that play an essential role in health and wellness, including:

• Fatty Acids - During the digestive phase, your body breaks down fats into fatty acids that can be absorbed into the blood. Different types of fatty acids have important functions, such as energy storage.
• Essential Fatty Acids - EFAs are lipids that are not metabolized by the body (meaning your body cannot produce them) and therefore must be obtained from the diet. You must get essential fatty acids from the foods and beverages you consume.
• Trans Fatty Acids - Trans fats are the worst type of fat for your health. These fatty acids are made when hydrogen is added to healthy unsaturated fats to solidify them and reduce the likelihood of spoilage.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids - These EFAs belong to a family of polyunsaturated fats and are associated with numerous health benefits, such as inflammation and depression. Natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fish oils, fatty fish, flaxseed oil and walnuts.
• Omega-6 Fatty Acids - Like omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats. Unfortunately, Americans consume too much omega-6 in corn oil and vegetable oil, which can raise blood pressure and lead to heart attacks or stroke, due to water retention.

To maintain a healthy weight and lower your levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides, follow a personalized menu plan that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Also, avoid foods that are high in added sugars.

Extreme Food Restrictions May Not Be Necessary

Selecting the best weight loss plan can be confusing, as it can be difficult to separate the facts from the trends. A recent study conducted by NIH’s National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases suggests extreme carbohydrate restriction may not be needed for body fat loss. In addition to using fat cells, the body stores small amounts of energy in the liver and muscles as glycogen. It is important to understand the difference between dietary fat that you consume and the fat that you carry around inside your body. Your body stores fat so you never run out of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) that is retained for fuel. Most dieters desire to lose weight from around the belly, hips or thighs. Nonetheless, losing weight where you want is usually difficult since different people tend to lose weight from certain areas faster than from other spots on their body. Although carbohydrates are a main source of fuel, dietary fats are needed to help access fat stores.