Polyunsaturated fats
Polyunsaturated fats
Polyunsaturated fats (pronunciation: /ˌpɒliːʌnˈsætʃəreɪtɪd fæts/) are a type of dietary fat. They are one of the healthy fats, along with monounsaturated fats. Polyunsaturated fats are used to build cell membranes and the covering of nerves. They are needed for blood clotting, muscle movement, and inflammation.
Etymology
The term "polyunsaturated" is derived from the Greek word "poly" meaning "many" and the Latin word "saturare" meaning "to fill". This refers to the many double bonds in the chemical structure of a polyunsaturated fat that are not saturated with hydrogen atoms.
Types of Polyunsaturated fats
There are two main types of polyunsaturated fats: omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. Both types offer health benefits. Eating polyunsaturated fats in place of saturated fats or trans fats can lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat. They are beneficial for heart health. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, flaxseeds, walnuts, canola oil, and unhydrogenated soybean oil.
Omega-6 fatty acids
Omega-6 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat. They are essential fats that the body needs for normal growth and development. Foods rich in omega-6 fatty acids include vegetable oils like safflower, soybean, sunflower, walnut, and corn oils.
Health benefits
Polyunsaturated fats can help reduce bad cholesterol levels in your blood which can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. They also provide nutrients to help develop and maintain your body’s cells. Polyunsaturated fats are also needed for blood clotting, muscle movement, and inflammation.
Related terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Polyunsaturated fats
- Wikipedia's article - Polyunsaturated fats
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