In today’s world, fats are rarely associated with good health. In fact, a vast majority of health journals and health books advise you to steer clear of fatty foods by all means. Though it is true that most fats are generally not good for your health, there is a group of fats that is not only beneficial to your heath, but absolutely essential to your body.
Omega fats belong to this group of fats. The body requires generous amounts of these fats in order to function correctly. Arachidonic acid, also referred to as ARA, is one such Omega-6 fat.
There are many benefits that can be gained from using supplements that contain Arachidonic Acid. However, too much consumption of this acid can do harm to your body, so there is a need to take it carefully. Read on to learn more about this acid.
What Is Arachidonic Acid?
Arachidonic acid is a 20-carbon compound that belongs to a group of omega-6 fats. It is an unsaturated fatty acid that can be obtained from many vegetable oils. It is also vital to many body processes. Many body organs depend on it in order to function correctly. This fat is normally not categorized as an essential fat because the body is able to produce it naturally.
The body can synthesize arachidonic acid from linoleic acid. Linoleic acid is present in high concentration in many vegetable oils. Be that as it may, the body still needs to get enough of this fat from secondary sources, namely supplements if there is not enough of it in the diet. The amount of Arachidonic Acid that the body manufactures from linoleic acid is simply not enough to keep it functioning at its best.
What Are The Benefits Of Arachidonic Acid?
1. Brain Health
Arachidonic acid is exceedingly important for your neurological health. This fat is found in high amounts in the brain. In fact, this acid and docosahexanoic acid are the two most prominent fats in the brain. Having insufficient amounts of ARA in your brain can greatly hinder your brain health. One of the core functions of this fat is that it protects your brain from oxidative stress.
Additionally, it activates Syntaxin, which is essential in initiating the growth and repair of neurons. It is also important to note that the acid contributes to early neurological development in children. Studies show that children who consume more of this fat are far more intelligent than those who don’t. It goes without saying that for the good health of your brain, you simply must have sufficient levels of this fat.
2. Muscle Growth
Many bodybuilders are fairly familiar with the body building properties of this acid. The acid contributes significantly to the growth and repair of muscles. It is one of the most effective ways to get a ripped body. However, the acid is not as popular as you would expect it to be among ardent gym-goers simply because it causes inflammation.
What most people don’t know is that the inflammation and soreness caused by arachidonic acid is indispensible to the growth of muscles. It is often said that there is no gain without pain, and this is remarkably true for those who wish to have stronger and more conspicuous muscles.
3. Helps with Autism
Research shows that increased consumption of arachidonic acid can help improve social interaction for those who suffer from autism. Autism is a disorder that is characterized by a difficulty interacting and communicating with others and general poor social development. Other symptoms of the disorder include a problem with repetitive behaviors and some developmental problems.
Also, people who suffer from autism have certain rare abilities and weaknesses. But perhaps the single most difficult challenge they go through is that of social interaction. Arachidonic acid has been shown to help ease this burden for autistic people.
4. Alleviates Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s is yet another painful condition that can be managed by increasing one’s consumption of arachidonic acid. Studies reveal that taking sufficient amounts of the acid during the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease can greatly reduce the progress of the disease.
Even better is the fact that the acid can also reduce the impact of the disease in its later stages. ARA is certainly of great importance to those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or those who are at risk of getting it.
What Are The Side Effects Of Arachidonic Acid?
Generally, a healthy person can comfortably tolerate high amounts of arachidonic acid. However, there are certain risks that are associated with over-consumption of this fat. For one thing, the acid can cause inflammation, which is less than comfortable for most people. Too much inflammation is also closely associated with heart disease.
Additionally, in the event that the acid is not metabolized correctly, it can lead to certain disorders like Bipolar disorder or even Alzheimer’s diseaseitself. But taken in moderate doses, arachidonic acid does not pose much of a health risk.
Top Products That Contain Arachidonic Acid
1. Molecular Nutrition X-Factor
One has to applaud the bodybuilding properties of ARA, which is a primary ingredient in the manufacture of this product. This supplement has been shown to increase muscle growth and strength, as well as contribute to loss of fat. With this product, getting a ripped body is much easier than without it.
2. Axis Labs Hermodraulix
Yet another product that contains ARA, this supplement is also popular among bodybuilders as it is very effective. The vanilla flavored pills increase athletic performance a great deal and contribute significantly to muscle growth. The pills are also associated with extreme vasodilation and intense pumping.
Arachidonic Acid Conclusion
Arachidonic acid is absolutely important to the body. If you do not fancy obtaining it from supplements, you should consider increasing your daily intake of vegetable oils. The fat can also be obtained from meats and nuts.
Regardless of where you source the acid from, the bottom line is that your body must always have sufficient amounts of ARA. Failure to provide sufficient amounts of this fat to your body can have rather nasty consequences, such as poor neurological health and slow muscle growth.
Excessive consumption of the fats, however, is no way to go either, as it can also have harmful side effects. The key focus to achieving benefits with arachidonic acid is to maintain balance at all times.
