ABSTRACT
A fatty acid is a carboxylic acid with a long side chain of hydrocarbons. On the basis of synthesis in our body, fatty acids are placed in two categories: essential fatty acids and non-essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are lipids that are not metabolized by the body but are involved in various biological processes, and produce many compounds when they are metabolized. Essential fatty acids play an important role in the life and death of cardiac cells, immune system function and blood pressure regulation. Essential fatty acids must be obtained from food. Originally, only two FAs were considered essential: linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid. Therefore, nowadays people have a focus on consuming unsaturated fats rather than saturated fats. Considering health as the priority, people have become very aware about the disease prevention and health benefits of increasing the consumption of polyunsaturated/essential fatty acids. This chapter summarizes the different types of essential fatty acids, along with their sources and benefits.
