Friday, November 9, 2007

Linus Pauling Institute

I was researching Essential Fatty Acids and came across this, the Linus Pauling Institute site and figured it was a good overall resource for Essential Fatty Acid Information and I knew Kathy would appreciate it because she's very familiar with these folks.
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/othernuts/omega3fa/
Check it out if your curiousity so begs!

Plenty of Options for Vegans and Veges! (tarians)

As there are a lot of vegans and vegetarians nowadays, especially on the HSU campus, it is important to keep them in mind when discussing sources of Essential Fatty Acids. I have compiled a list of Vegan and Veggie-friendly sources for those who may be interested.
The two polyunsaturated fatty acids that are essential to our body and health are Linoleic Acid and Alpha Linolenic Acid. These two EFAs are necessary for maintaining cell membrane, blood clotting and making prostaglandins. Other functions of these dietary fats are to allow the body to absorb the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K, as well as regulating cholesterol metabolism. Below are some food sources of these two EFAs.

Linoleic Acid (the Omega 6s)
Veggies Flaxseed
Fruit Mustard Seed
Nuts Pumkin Seed
Grains Soya Bean
Seeds Green Leafy Veggies
Oils made from: Grains
Safflower Spirulina
Sunflower Oils made from:
Corn Linseed
Soya Rapeseed
Evening Primrose Soya Bean
Pumkin
Wheatgerm

Alpha Linolenic Acids (the Omega 3s)
Flaxseed
Mustard Seed
Pumkin Seed
Soya Bean
Green Leafy Veggies
Grains
Spirulina
Oils made from:
Linseed
Rapeseed
Soya Bean

Hopefully this list will reassure those out there that are vegetarian or vegan that there are plenty of options for them and that they mustn't skip out on this "essential" part of the diet.