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Essential Fatty Acids

By Jennifer Moll, About.com

Updated: September 25, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: Essential fatty acids are fats that cannot be made by the human body and must be obtained from the diet.

Essential fatty acids are known to help lower cholesterol levels.

Also Known As: EFAs
Examples: Polyunsaturated fatty acids (or "good" fats), such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, are examples of essential fatty acids.
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