What are essential fatty acids?

Essential fatty acids are fats that the body cannot synthesize on its own and must therefore be obtained through the diet. These fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, play crucial roles in various bodily functions, including cell membrane structure, hormone production, and inflammatory response regulation. Since the body lacks the enzymes necessary to produce these fatty acids, it relies on dietary sources like fish, flaxseeds, walnuts, and certain vegetable oils to meet its requirements.

In contrast, the other options describe different types of fats or suggest misconceptions about what essential fatty acids are. For instance, some fats are produced by the body and are not classified as essential. Additionally, saturated and trans fats have distinct properties and effects on health that differentiate them from essential fatty acids.