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Essential Fatty Acids

By , About.com Guide

Updated January 03, 2011

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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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