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Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is the parent compound of the omega-3
fatty acid family. ALA is a precursor to the long-chain fatty
acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
and is an essential fatty acid for humans because it cannot
be synthesized from dietary precursors. Seed
oils are the richest sources of ALA, notably those of rapeseed
(canola), soybeans, walnuts, flaxseed (Linseed), perilla,
chia and hemp. ALA is also obtained from the thylakoid membranes
of the green leaves of broadleaf plants (the membranes responsible
for photosynthesis).Greens, therefore, and animals that eat
greens, are often a good source of ALA.
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