ESSENTIAL FATS FOR RECOVERY FROM SPORT

EFA Recovery Plus was formulated to help balance your diet with a 40:30:30 ratio of carbohydrate/protein/fat for optimal health and better performance. "EFA" refers to the essential fatty acids required in our diet because they cannot be synthesised by our bodies. "Recovery" refers to the role EFAs play in restoring general health with a 40:30:30 diet, as well as biochemical recovery following physical exercise and work.

The two major energy sources for the production of ATP during exercise are carbohydrates, in the form of muscle glycogen, and fats in the form of fatty acids. Fat is the most misunderstood of the three macronutrient sources. We are all aware of the association between a high fat diet and health problems. This is why today's trend is to buy "fat-free" food products. However, it is important to know that dietary fat consists of three basic types of fatty acids: saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated.

Unsaturated fat, is composed of cis-fatty acids typically found in vegetable oils, cold-water fatty fish (e.g., salmon, tuna, and herring), avocados, nuts, and some beans. These foods are known for their important role in an overall healthy diet. It is just as important to regulate the kinds of fat we ingest as well as the amount of fat. Unsaturated fats play a beneficial role in the body. Fats are the most concentrated source of energy in the diet. Many sources of fat provide important nutrients, carry fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K through the bloodstream, maintain healthy skin and are crucial for foetal brain development.

The typical diet, quite often, does not include a sufficient amount of EFAs, especially those referred to as omega-3 fatty acids. EFA Recovery Plus is formulated to meet your need to consume 'healthy fats'.

Alpha-lipoic acid
Alpha-lipoic acid is a sulphur-containing essential fatty acid. Alpha-lipoic acid is directly involved in the biosynthesis of a vital coenzyme the helps generate ATP for muscle energy.

Linoleic acid
Linoleic acid is an omega-6 polyunsaturated cis-fatty acid found in safflower oil.Linoleic acid is incorporated in phospholipids -
phospholipids are key Linoleic acid is converted to special prostaglandins -prostaglandins promote special circulatory system health. Linoleic acid is converted to DHA - important for healthy vision and brain cells.

Alpha-linolenic acid
Alpha-linolenic acid is an omega-3 polyunsaturated cis-fatty acid found in flax seed oil. Alpha-linolenic acid is converted to EPA and DHA.

Gamma-linolenic acid
Gamma-linolenic acid is an omega-6 polyunsaturated cis-fatty acid found in evening primrose oil. Gamma-linolenic acid is used in the biosynthesis of special prostaglandins that perform various functions in the body. Its both EPA and DHA which are omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are found in high concentrations in cold water fish (e.g., salmon, tuna, mackerel, and herring). EPA is used to support healthy lipid levels and to assist healthy cellular function. EPA is required for the production of prostaglandins, which encourage circulatory health. DHA is a major component of human brain tissue and retinal tissue. DHA serves in the transmission of nerve impulses in the nervous system.

article from www.anewlife.co.uk