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Heart health: why fatty acids are a must

Fatty acids are the building blocks of fat in the diet. There are three types of fatty acids–saturated, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated—and they differ in basic chemical structure. omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are types of polyunsaturated fatty acids and considered “essential” as they cannot be made in the body but must be obtained through food. Omega-6 fatty acids are mainly found in vegetables, cereal products, fat spreads and meats, and they have the ability to lower blood cholesterol levels when substituted for saturated fatty acids in the diet. Major food sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fish and fish oils, dark green leafy vegetables and some nuts and seeds. These are believed to reduce blood clotting and, as a result, lower the risk of coronary heart disease and heart attacks.

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