Essential fatty acids are one of the most beneficial substances contained in vegetable or carrier oils. These are needed by the body for good health, but the body doesn’t have the ability to create them.
People who are deficient in essential fatty acids manifest their deficiency through seriously dry skin. They are also prone to skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis.
There are actually two groups of essential fatty acids. These are the Omega-3 essential fatty acids and Omega-6 essential fatty acids. Please read on to know more about them:
1. Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids
Alpha linolenic acid is a kind of omega-3 essential fatty acid found in found in plants. Two other types of Omega 3 are the Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These two types are more beneficial than alpha linolenic acid, but they are available only from fish oil.
2. Omega-6 Essential Fatty Acids
Omega-6 essential fatty acids is a class of polyunsaturated fatty acids that are present in meats, eggs, vegetable oils, and certain nuts and beans.
Omega-6 fatty acids are different from omega-3 fatty acids, and they are known to increase inflammation, blood clotting and cell proliferation if they are consumed in excessive quantities.
3. Omega-7 and Omega-9 Fatty Acids
Omega-7 is considered a non-essential fatty acid but it is beneficial to health but not essential for our survival. Its health benefits include weight loss especially for people who are on a low-carbohydrate diet, reduction of cholesterol and prevention of Type 2 diabetes. They can also help to nourish the skin and keep it hydrated, smooth and flexible.
Here are some of the vegetable or carrier oils that are rich in essential fatty acids:
1. Avocado oil
Aside from the essential fatty acids that this rich organic oil contains, it is a powerhouse of vitamins A, B1, B2 D, and E. It is also rich in amino acids, sterols, pantothenic acid and lecithin.
These substances work to make avocado oil a powerful skin agent to alleviate skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis.
2. Hemp seed oil
Hemp seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids and protein. Its deep green color, nutty smell and high nutritional value have made it a primary ingredient for cosmetics and skin care products.
3. Kukui nut oil
Kukui nut oil is derived from the nuts of the kukui tree, the official tree of Hawaii. It is rich in high levels of essential fatty acids particularly linoleic and alpha linolenic acid. It is also effective in treating acne, dry skin, eczema and psoriasis.
4. Rosehip seed oil
This unique oil is extremely rich in essential fatty acids. It particularly works to treat scars and wrinkles, and prevent premature aging.
These are some of the facts you need to know about essential fatty acids in carrier oils. Eating foods that are rich in essential fatty acids and using carrier oils that are loaded with these substances are some of the ways to nourish and improve the health and look of the skin.
