Table of Contents
What is Linoleic Acid?
Linoleic acid is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid and a type of fat that our bodies cannot synthesise, meaning we must obtain it through our diet. Linoleic acid plays several important roles in the body:
Structural Component: It is a crucial component of cell membranes, helping to maintain their structure and flexibility.
Precursor to Other Compounds: Linoleic acid is a precursor to molecules, such as arachidonic acid, which is involved in our inflammatory and immune responses.
Skin Health: It contributes to skin health by helping to maintain the skin’s barrier function, preventing dryness and scaling.
Energy Source: Like other fats, linoleic acid serves as an energy source for the body.
What foods contain linoleic acid?
Common dietary sources of Linoleic acid include vegetable oils (such as sunflower), nuts, seeds, and some animal products like poultry and eggs.
Which Mushrooms contain Linoleic Acid?
Several types of mushrooms contain linoleic acid, such as
- Shiitake (Lentinula edodes): It is high in nutritional value as it contains essential amino acids like linoleic acid, along with vitamins B, E, and D iron, calcium and zinc, as well as beta-glucans and lentinan.
- Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus): like other medicinal varieties, oyster mushrooms are an excellent source of dietary fibre and linoleic acid. They are also included in our BioDefense, Bio Intestin, and Dr. Immune Five Children’s syrup.
- Sun Mushroom (Agaricus blazei Murrill): Agaricus blazei Murill is notable for its abundance of active biomolecules, particularly, Linoleic acid, β-glucans (immunomodulatory polysaccharides) and minerals such as zinc.
- Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum): Reishi mushrooms are famed for their medicinal properties and also provide a good amount of linoleic acid.
- Maitake (Grifola frondosa): Maitake mushrooms, also called “hen of the woods,” contain linoleic acid and ergosterol. Plus vitamins B, and D and essential minerals like magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.
What are the benefits of Linoleic Acid?
Cell Integrity: Linoleic acid is a crucial component of cell membranes, helping to maintain their structure and flexibility.
Precursor to Immune Stimulating Compounds:
Linoleic acid serves as a precursor to important bioactive compounds, such as arachidonic acid, which is involved in the production of eicosanoids. These are signalling molecules that play key roles in inflammation, immune responses, and other physiological functions.
Skin Health:
Linoleic acid has anti-inflammatory effects that can help to soothe and calm irritated skin. This makes it beneficial for conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis, where inflammation plays a key role.
Linoleic acid is also present in argan oil and is one of the ingredients in our Mico-Repair cream. It is a key component of ceramides, which are lipid molecules that form a critical part of the skin’s barrier. This barrier helps to retain moisture and protect against external irritants and pathogens. contributes to skin health by helping to maintain the skin’s barrier function, preventing dryness and scaling.
Energy Source:
Like other fats, linoleic acid can serve as an energy source for the body, contribute to a balanced intake of essential fats and help maintain lower levels of LDL. This is crucial to prevent an imbalance, that might promote inflammation.
Summary
Linoleic acid is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid that is essential for health but cannot be synthesised by the body, making dietary intake necessary. It plays several key roles, including maintaining cell membrane structure and flexibility, serving as a precursor to bioactive compounds like arachidonic acid, and supporting skin health by maintaining the skin’s barrier function and preventing dryness. Additionally, linoleic acid serves as an energy source and contributes to a balanced intake of essential fats, which can help regulate LDL levels.
Dietary sources of linoleic acid include vegetable oils (such as sunflower), nuts, seeds, and some animal products. Certain mushrooms, including shiitake, oyster mushroom, sun mushroom, reishi, and maitake, also provide linoleic acid, along with other beneficial nutrients.
The benefits of linoleic acid extend to supporting immune responses and skin health, making it an important nutrient for overall well-being.