How Essential Fatty Acids Are Used As Muscle Supplements

Essential fatty acids or EFAs are fatty acids that should be obtained from diet since these cannot be created within an organism from other constituents through other kinds of chemical pathways. Experts usually refer to essential fatty acids highly involved in biological processes and not merely acting as a fuel source. Several compounds made from essential fatty acids can be obtained straight from natural food sources and supplementation wherein labels usually overestimate the recommended amounts. Other labels may also underestimate human needs for it since a lot of organisms are able to survive despite unfavorable and malnourished states.

Essential fatty acids come in 2 families namely omega-3 and omega-6. Both families are essential since the body is able to transform omega-3 into a new separate omega-3. Omega-3 or omega-6 cannot be interconverted. EFAs cannot be created from nothing however. Most of the polyunsaturated fat found in the human diet comes from essential fatty acids and there are so many food sources available that naturally contain these such as soya oil, flaxseed, fish, shellfish, leafy vegetables, walnuts and sunflower seeds.

There are several beneficial effects that essential fatty acids provide to the body such as hastening recovery time, boosting metabolism, increasing training intensity, developing muscle accretion, enhancing fat loss and improving distribution of nutrients and other vitamins into body cells. These are important for transportation, absorption and proper functioning of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, D, E and K. Body composition and function is significantly improved as cellular components, compounds, hormones and fat intake are regulated.

Omega-3 fatty acids are long chains of polyunsaturated acids with biological uses since they can be converted into different substances in the human body such as leukotrienes and prostaglandins. Omega-3 fatty acids are also highly involved in metabolic processes and are known to support and enhance fat loss in the right quantities.

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are hormone precursors and are able to determine cell membrane composition. Anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory responses through substances are then produced. Other uses of the fatty acids include reduction of oxidant stress caused by free radicals and spurring of inflammatory conditions like arthritis and diabetes.

Alpha-linolenic acid or LNa is the main component of omega-3s that are necessary for human survival. The body, however, cannot naturally produce LNA making it an essential fatty acid. LNA can be converted into EPA or eicosapentaenoic acid and DHa or docosahexaenoic acid. As for hormone regulation for specific responses, essential fatty acids can improve immune responses, aid against infection and metabolism.

Eiconasoids generally work to enhance cell communication. These hormones have 3 classes namely prostaglandins, leukotrienes and thromboxanes. Fat molecules go through either the lipoxygenase or cyclooxygenase pathway in order to produce prostaglandins and thromboxanes which can then lead to leukotriene production.

Bodybuilders include essential fatty acids in their diets because of their highly anabolic actions. EFAs improve cardiovascular conditioning of individuals by reducing platelet stickiness, widening and relaxing blood vessels for better blood circulation, lowering blood pressure, inhibiting prostaglandin series 2 and enhancing delivery of nutrients to muscles and other tissues. The anti-inflammatory actions of omega-6 are very useful in reducing post-workout pain due to lactic acid buildup. Joints and bone inflammation are also reduced wherein athletes are able to maintain stability and strength in hardcore exercises.

Linoleic acid can be converted to GLA which is believed to be 170 times better than the parent molecule in lowering fat and cholesterol levels. Serum triglycerides are lowered significantly which, as a whole, improves body composition and prevents various cardiovascular, metabolic and heart ailments like stroke, heart attack and diabetes.