Contents
What are Nutritional Supplements?
How to Find the Right Supplements
How to Take Supplements
Nutritional Supplement Tables
Vitamins
Minerals
Botanicals
Amino Acids
Essential Fatty Acids
Digestive Enzymes
Phytochemicals
Fiber
Probiotics
Unique Nutritional Compounds
Learn more with these titles from Barnes & Noble
|
 |
 |
 |
|
Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are considered “good” fats. They contribute to the production of HDL (high-density lipoprotein), or “good” cholesterol, which helps the body expel “bad” cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoprotein). EFAs are important to several functions:
- Cell membrane growth and repair
- Cardiovascular regulation and blood cleansing
- Neural cell growth
- Immune system strength
The two kinds of EFAs are omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids, neither of which your body can manufacture on its own—they must be derived externally from foods or nutritional supplements. The best natural sources are fish and flaxseed oil; if your diet is low in either, consider taking supplements.
Name |
Potential Benefits |
|
|
Omega-3
(alpha-
linolenic acid)
|
Reduces LDL cholesterol. Lowers blood pressure. Relieves swelling and arthritic pain. Improves depression and other mental health
disorders. Helps flush excess body fat. |
|
|
Omega-6
(linoleic acid)
|
Reduces LDL cholesterol. Reduces swelling from diabetic neuropathy, arthritis, and PMS. Improves skin. Helps flush excess body fat. |
Fish oil supplements may cause bloating, diarrhea, gas, or nausea. Supplements from flaxseed oil do not usually cause any side effects.
| Acknowledgments & Disclaimer |
