Alpha-Linolenic Acid is a carboxylic acid found often in vegetable oils. People who have diets rich in Alpha-Linolenic Acid have shown a lower frequency of heart disease. However, if the diet is not abundant in this, it can be substituted with the use of a dietary supplement. Hardening of the arteries, heart attack and stroke are linked to a lack of Alpha-Linolenic Acid. However, excessive bleeding is also shown when there is too much of this compound. Dietary supplements are often used with those who are at higher risk of heart attack or stroke to help reduce or eliminate the potential for disease.

Borage Oil (seed)- Borage also known as starflower is an herb that grows in Syria. The oil from the seeds is a good source of gamma-linolenic acid or GLA. It also contains palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, eicosenoic acid, erucic acid, and nervonic acid. This herb is often used for the regulation of metabolism and hormones. It is considered good for PMS and “hot flash” due to menopause. It is also used for bronchitis, head cold, and respiratory infections, this herb is also used for its general anti-inflammatory and balsamic properties.

DHA(Docosahexaenoic Acid) is an omega 3 fatty acid. It is commonly found fish oil, cold water fatty fish and in seaweeds. DHA helps in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases because it decreases the level of triglycerides. DHA is a fatty acid that can be found in the brain phospholipids. DHA considered a brain food because it helps the brain to function well and prevents illness such as Alzheimer’s disease. It also helps alleviate the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Raynaud Syndrome. It also helps improve moods and depression. It aids in preventing or reducing menstrual pains, and arthritis.

EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid), also known as icosapentaenoic acid and EPA, is a omega 3 fatty acid, a carboxylic acid which acts as a precursor for prostaglandin 3, thromboxane 3 and leukotriene 5 groups of eicosanoids. It is mostly found in fish oil, but can also be contained in human breast milk. In recent times, sources from microalgae have been preferred, due to the large quantities of toxins contained in fish swimming in polluted waters. Human body can produce EPA out of alpha linoleic acid, but since that ALA is an essential fatty acid, only excess amounts would be converted. EPA has been subject to studies pertaining to the use in treatment of schizophrenia, but it may also lower suicidal tendencies. Further use as breast cancer progression inhibitor is under investigation.

Fish Oil used to be regular oil derived from oily fish, it looked and smelled the part and children simply hated it, although it was good for them. Containing omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, the two precursors to eicosanoids, in some higher quality cases also omega-6 fatty acids, fish oil is perhaps one of the most important supplements given to children during their development. In recent times, the contamination of fish in the sea through mercury and dioxin, among other pollutants, has prompted the FDA to carefully review the sourced of the preferred brand product. Nevertheless, the fish oil supplements have only gained popularity for all the health benefits that are provided. The health benefits are just too numerous to list, but from the heart to brain and nervous system, the whole body profits immensely.

Flax Seed Oil is derived from a blue flowering plant grown in western Canadian Prairies. It is especially grown for the oil rich seeds because the oil, also known as Linseed oil is recommended for well being by experts. The oil is considered very effective for the nutrition of the entire body. Being a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseed oil is required for the smooth functioning of almost every body system. Besides omega-3, this oil also contains essential fatty acids like omega-6, magnesium, B vitamins, zinc, protein, fiber and omega-9. According to experts, this oil can be taken as an essential supplement for promoting good health. It is as good as taking multi vitamins. Its natural properties can benefit every part such as the immune system, nervous system, circulatory system and joints.

Gamma-Linolenic Acid or GLA, is an Omega-6 fatty acid that plays a major role in human health. However, Gamma-Linolenic Acid is not naturally occurring in the human body. Instead, it is obtained through food intake. It is mostly present in oils derived from plants and was first discovered in the oil extracted from the seed of the plant evening primrose. As a polyunsaturated fatty acid, Gamma-Linolenic Acid is associated with the wellness of the skin, hair, bones, metabolism and reproductive system. Ongoing research is being conducted to conclude its benefits as an anticancer agent due to its unique ability to suppress tumors.

Linoleic Acid belongs to the group of essential fatty acids; it is an unsaturated omega 6 fatty acid. The Linoleic was derived from the word linon, which means “derived from oil”, “olive” or “relating to oleic acid”. Linoic acid affects the metabolism, aiding it to function efficiently. It helps the glucose to reach the muscles cells so the sugar will be prevented from turning into fat. Fats that enter the cell membranes of the muscles are converted into energy, thus, resulting in more energy and weight loss. Linoleic acid also helps in controlling the cholesterol level and preventing cardiovascular diseases. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Oleic Acid  is also known as the Omega 9 fatty acid. It is a monounsaturated fatty acid present in most natural fats. It is naturally found in avocado fruit, apricot seeds, almonds, olive oils and macadamia nuts. It can also be found in the cocoa butter used for making chocolates. Oleic acid is used to make synthetic cheeses and butters, ice creams, and sodas. It helps maintain cholesterol levels, thus, lowering the risks of heart attack, arteriosclerosis, and other such heart diseases. Oleic acid also aids in repairing cellular and tissue damages caused by free radical damages. It may also help in preventing cancer. It also has antioxidant properties that fights premature aging and maintains the skin’s moisture.

Vitamin E is the name for a group of tocopherols and tocotrienols that are soluble in fat and display antioxidant properties. The most important vitamin out of this group is alpha tocopherol, which professes the highest bioavailability, and therefore, was the most studied Vitamin E. Found in such foods as nuts, seeds, milk, wheat germ and most vegetable oils, this Vitamin is said to be perhaps the most important antioxidant in human nourishment, although this trait is not deemed the imperative reason why Vitamin E is required to be in every diet. Most clinical studies which were supposed to crown Vitamin E as the prevention from prostate cancer or cardiovascular wonder supplement have been either inconclusive or were discontinued due to poor results. Vitamin E deficiency results in neurological and neuromuscular problems, but also in failure to absorb fat.