While there are a variety of vitamins that play a unique role in our bodies, there is another lesser-known vitamin that we don’t hear about much: Vitamin F. The term “Vitamin F” is not officially recognized as an individual vitamin.
Instead, it’s actually a name assigned to a combination of two essential fatty acids (EFAs) – also known as fat-soluble vitamins – called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA). So, what does this vitamin actually do, how can it benefit seniors, and what foods are natural sources of it? Keep reading to find out.
What Is Vitamin F?
You might not be familiar with it, but as we mentioned, Vitamin F is a combination of two essential fatty acids that provide a wide variety of health benefits. It was mistakenly labeled as a vitamin back in the 1920s by the scientists who discovered the fatty acids that they’re made of.
Basically, the name “Vitamin F” seemed to fit as it apparently stuck. This vitamin also has antioxidant properties and it even plays a significant role in the structure of your cells. Considering the fact that the human body isn’t able to naturally produce the full amounts of LA and ALA for optimal functioning, we have to depend heavily on our diets for the rest.
The EFAs that make up this outcast of a vitamin is quite easy to find. They can be found in foods like nuts, seeds, and oils, and are essential for the health of your skin, hair, and nails. They also support a strong heart and brain, help regulate blood sugar, and are even believed to promote weight loss.
The Benefits of Vitamin F
Vitamin benefits multiple areas of our health from heart health and cognitive Health 2 the health of our brain and nervous system. Because our brains are filled with polyunsaturated fatty acids It’s important to know that those fatty acids are used to help us operate every day through energy generation. In short, if our body isn’t getting enough essential fatty acids, the synapses of our brains, including our neurons, won’t be able to properly develop.
If we take a look at other areas of our health, we can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease as well as other cardiovascular issues if we increase our intake of LA and ALA. This is one of the reasons that vitamin F is important for seniors as it reduces the chances that you will develop these types of issues.
Not only that but you can reduce joint pain as well as stiffness when you have a diet packed with omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, Vitamin F can positively affect our skin, eye health, and even mental health.
Foods That Naturally Contain Vitamin F
There are a variety of foods that are rich in these nutrients. Some of the best foods that naturally contain Vitamin F include seeds like sesame seeds, chia seeds, and pumpkin seeds, along with nuts like cashews, almonds, and walnuts are great sources of Vitamin F. Certain vegetables are good sources of it as well such as;
- Spinach
- Avocado
- Sweet potatoes
- Carrots
Legumes like black beans, lima beans, and kidney beans can all be high in Vitamin F as well. Fish and seafood: Salmon, mackerel, herring, and halibut are high in Vitamin F, as are other fish and seafood like tuna, scallops, and crab. Other foods that contain Vitamin F include whole grains, fortified dairy products, and oils like sunflower oil, safflower oil, and peanut oil.
The Bottom line
Vitamin F isn’t as well known as other vitamin groups and it’s not even a traditional vitamin but what it contains can benefit the health of your skin, hair, nails, and overall health. It also helps regulate cholesterol levels and blood sugar and is believed to promote weight loss.
As we age, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing nutrients from the foods we eat, so getting extra vitamins and minerals through healthy foods can help prevent certain things that may come as more of a concern as we get older. There are a variety of foods that contain Vitamin F and you can opt-in for the supplement version just as easily so make sure to get enough in your diet.
