Alpha Linolenic acid (ALA) is one of the most commonly found organic compounds in vegetable oil. Alpha-Linolenic belongs to the group of carboxylic acids. It has an 18 carbon chain along with three cis double bond. This attribute makes it fall in the group of polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid. It is an essential fatty acid. The reason behind this is that alpha-linolenic acid can not be produced by the human body. It has to consume through a diet rich in this acid. Alpha-Linolenic Acid is found in abundance in a lot of variety of seed oils. Rapeseed, flaxseed, soybeans, walnuts are a few examples. Oil from these seeds is enriched with alpha-linolenic acid. Green leaves and all animals that eat a lot of these green leaves are also a very good source of alpha-linolenic acid. Research shows that moderate consumption of alpha-linolenic acid can help prevent a lot of health related issues like coronary heart diseases.

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 is an unsaturated omega 6 fatty acid which may be found in olive oil. It helps lower low density lipoprotein (LDL) level, and control blood cholesterol. It prevents clotting which may cause heart problems. Linoleic Acid is also beneficial to arthritis patients because it decreases the inflammation and alleviates pain and swelling. It improves the metabolic rate which promotes weight loss and decreases abdominal fat which is beneficial to thyroid patients. It improves and promotes lean muscles. It regulates blood sugar level which benefits diabetic patients. It also helps improve the immune system and fight against viral and bacterial infections.

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.