Essential Fatty Acids

General Knowledge

100

True or false:

The body can manufacture and produce essential fatty acids.

False

200

Which are the two main EFAs?

Omega 6 and Omega 3

300

When we talk about deficiency, which EFA is usually more vulnerable?

Omega 3

400

Omega 3 fatty acids are transformed into:

Eicosapentaenoic acid EPA

Docosahexaenoic acid DHA

Omega 3

100

Principal sources of omega 3

Flax seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds, walnut seeds, soy, canola, pumpkin

200

What is another name for Omega 3 Fatty Acid?

Linolenic acid

300

True or false: 

Is Omega 3 helpful in the prevention of coronary heart disease?

True

400

In order to have a healthy lifestyle, do we need more Omega 3 than Omega 6 in our regular diet?

No, to have a healthy diet we need two to four times more Omega 6 than Omega 3.

Omega 6

100

Principal sources of Omega 6

Sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, canola, hemp seeds, grape seeds, corn, soybean, chia seeds, pumpkin, walnut, wheat germ, rice bran

200

What is another name for Omega 6?

Linoleic acid

300

True or false

The more Omega 6 fatty acids we consume, the more we help our bodies to prevent inflammation and heart diseases

False, Omega 6 in excessive amounts can contribute to inflammation and heart diseases. 

400

When we talk about the typical North American diet, why do we usually have higher rates of inflammatory disorders?

Because of the excessive amount of Omega 6 that we are consuming. (11 to 30 times more than omega 3)

Other non-essential FA

100

Which non essential fatty acid can be found in dairy products, meat and cheese?

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)

200

Mention 3 important functions of Gamma linolenic acid (GLA)

- It manufactures prostaglandins. 

- It has beneficial effects on the menstrual cycle. 

- Helps to maintain a healthy skin. 

- Has suppressive effects on acute and chronic inflammation. 

- Decreases the response to anxiety and stress. 

300

Which acid improves insulin sensitivity, helps maintain the regeneration of musculoskeletal tissues and basically has an anabolic effect?

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)

400

True or false: 

Omega 9 fatty acids help eliminate plaque buildup in the arteries since it increases LDL cholesterol and reduces HDL cholesterol. 

False, it helps eliminate plaque buildup in the arteries, but in increases HDL and reduces LDL cholesterol.