Which polyunsaturated fats are categorized as Essential Fatty Acids that the body must acquire externally?
Answer
Omega-3 and omega-6
Essential Fatty Acids constitute a specialized subset of polyunsaturated fats that the body requires for various metabolic processes but crucially lacks the enzymatic pathways to synthesize internally. Because these compounds cannot be manufactured by the body's own chemistry, they must be obtained consistently through dietary intake. The two primary examples belonging to this essential group are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Ensuring adequate intake of these specific essential fatty acids is necessary for maintaining overall health, proper immune function, and optimal structural integrity in various tissues.
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