Could you have a fatty acid deficiency? Do you know what to look for? Read on to recognize the dietary fat deficiency symptoms that occur.
Dietary fat is often looked at as detrimental to health. But, this is far from the truth. In fact, fatty acids are important to consume in a healthy diet.
It is quite rare to hear someone talk about fat deficiency symptoms. However, the condition is real and having a fatty acid deficiency is detrimental to your health. At least fifteen percent of your diet needs to come from fat calories.
Isn’t fat bad? Actually, no. Fat is good for you and is required for many bodily functions. In fact, your body cannot make certain fatty acids.
The body needs to get fat from an outside source. This is the case with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids which are essential fatty acids that your body needs to survive.
Fat is essential in order to absorb a plethora of nutrients. If it is lacking, the body cannot process Vitamin’s A, D, E, and K.
What are the fat deficiency symptoms?
Those striving to lose weight on a low fat diet can encounter fat deficiency symptoms. Many may have a fatty acid deficiency, but aren’t aware that they aren’t getting enough fat in the diet.
Skin Issues
Smart fats are essential for keeping your skin healthy. That shiny glow, elasticity, and immunity to small cuts and scrapes is due to dietary fat in your diet.
Without these healthy fats in your diet, water cannot be retained as easily in your skin. This leaves your skin dry and scaly. It also makes it harder for wounds to heal. That is because dry, water-deficient skin makes it harder for new skin to form.
Brain Functionality
Dietary fats are important for proper brain functions like memory and mental performance. Without these fats you put yourself at risk for developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
A good proportion of brain tissue has concentrated levels of omega-3 fatty acids. It’s also been shown in this randomized controlled trial that low dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids is associated with depression, impulsive behavior, and anger. So, be sure to eat plenty of omega-3 fats for a better mood!
Vision Problems
Dietary fats are also crucial to keeping proper eye health. In particular, two types of fatty acids are responsible for communication between your retina and brain. It helps form the light that enters into images that get processed by the brain.
Incorporating dietary fats can also reduce the risk of dry eyes. It can also prevent macular deterioration that is due to the aging of the eyes.
Conclusion: Fatty Acid Deficiency
Although it many seem unnatural to need fats in our diet, it is actually crucial to bodily health. If less than 15% of your diet consists of fat you may develop skin, brain, or vision problems.
With the absence of fat your body cannot process Vitamin A, D, E, or K. Be sure to not neglect dietary fat. The fat deficiency symptoms may not seem bad, but the health impacts can be detrimental.
