|  | Diet Nutrition | Nutrition

Food Sources of Linolenic Acid

Alpa-linolenic acid and gamma-linolenic acid are the two main types of linolenic acid. Both are essential fatty acids that are vital to the body. Alpha-linolenic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid commonly found in plants, it supports the heart and cellular system. Gamma-linolenic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid found in plant-produced oils; it supports healthy brain function.

  1. Alpha-linolenic Acid (Omega-3)

    • Flax seeds, soybeans, pumpkin seeds, tofu and walnuts are all excellent sources of alpha-linolenic acid. Many plant-based oils also contain alpha-linolenic acid: canola or soybean oil for cooking, flaxseed oil, pumpkin seed oil and walnut oil. Flaxseed oil can be taken as a dietary supplement.

      Omega-3 fatty acids are used to treat asthma, depression and high blood pressure.

    Gamma-linolenic Acid (Omega-6)

    • Gamma-linolenic acid is found in evening primrose oil, hempseed oil, blue green algae (spirulina), black currant seeds and borage seeds. All of these are available in nutritional supplement form as well. Gamma-linolenic acid is used to treat arthritis, premenstrual syndrome and high blood pressure.

    Dietary Supplements

    • Dietary supplements containing omega-3 and omega-6 are often sold in oil form or as liquid-filled capsules. Supplemental omega-3 oils such as flaxseed oil are best kept refrigerated. The better quality oil supplements are sold in dark bottles because light or heat can destroy some of the nutritional value.

Nutrition - Related Articles