The benefits of linoleic acid and its sources and is it harmful?
Linoleic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid, and it is the main source of omega-6 fatty acids.
What are the benefits of linoleic acid?
There are a variety of health benefits of this acid, including the following:
1. Prevention of heart disease
Scientific studies indicate that eating this acid helps reduce harmful cholesterol in the body, control blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart diseases such as coronary atherosclerosis, and there is a need for more scientific studies that confirm the role of this acid in preventing heart disease, although Several scientific studies that have been conducted show this.
2. Promote brain health
The researchers found that there is a strong relationship between the lack of this acid in the body, and the increased likelihood of brain injuries such as stroke, and some studies have shown that mood changes are also associated with a deficiency of this acid, and that some suicide cases had a severe deficiency of this acid. .
3. Linoleic acid for skin
Some scientific studies on animals have shown that a deficiency of this acid may lead to itchy skin and the appearance of scales. This acid also plays a key role in retaining water and moisturizing the skin, reducing inflammation and acne, speeding wound healing, and preventing the formation of malignant cells.
4. Linoleic acid for hair
The use of some oils rich in this acid, such as argan oil and safflower oil, may help stimulate hair growth and thicken thinning hair.
5. Boost immunity
Eating a balanced amount of unsaturated fats, with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, helps enhance the health of the body’s immune system, reduce the possibility of autoimmune diseases, while avoiding excessive intake of these fatty acids, which may cause increased inflammation.
6. Strengthening the bones
Eating a balanced amount of unsaturated fats, with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, helps boost bone density, prevent fractures and osteoporosis.
7. Linoleic acid for slimming
Conjugated Linoleic Acid, a derivative of conjugated linoleic acid, is popularly used by athletes to increase fat burning, build muscle and provide energy, but more scientific research is needed to prove the effectiveness of these supplements.
Where is linoleic acid found?
Some foods and oils contain a rich percentage of this acid. Here are some examples:
- Meat and chicken.
- Dairy products such as milk, eggs and cheese.
- Brazil nuts.
- Vegetable oils such as corn oil, soy and sesame oil.
Linoleic acid side effects
Eating a large amount of omega-6 fatty acids without eating an appropriate amount of omega-3 fatty acids affects the imbalance of fatty acids in the body, which leads to increased inflammation and serious health complications, and the solution is to eat foods that contain this acid naturally, and stay away from eating Canned and processed foods that are high in omega-6 fatty acids.
Some research also indicates that eating pregnant women a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids affects the proportion of omega-3 fatty acids that affect the development of the fetus.
After learning about the benefits of linoleic acid, there are a variety of foods that contribute to obtaining an adequate proportion of this acid, taking care to avoid excessive intake, as we mentioned in the article.