Polyunsaturated fatty acid
Polyunsaturated fatty acid
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) /ˌpɒliːʌnˈsætʃəreɪtɪd ˈfæti ˈæsɪd/ are fatty acids that contain more than one double bond in their backbone. This class includes many important compounds, such as essential fatty acids and those that give drying oils their characteristic property.
Etymology
The term "polyunsaturated" refers to the multiple double bonds in the chemical structure of these fatty acids, with "poly" meaning many in Greek and "unsaturated" indicating the presence of double bonds.
Types of Polyunsaturated fatty acids
Polyunsaturated fatty acids can be classified into two main types: omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. The numbers 3 and 6 refer to the position of the first double bond, counting from the end of the fatty acid molecule.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, also known as n-3 fatty acids, are a type of polyunsaturated fat. They are essential fats, which means they are necessary for human health, but the body can't make them. You have to get them through food. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut, other seafood including algae and krill, some plants, and nut oils.
Omega-6 fatty acids
Omega-6 fatty acids, also known as n-6 fatty acids, are a type of polyunsaturated fat. They are essential fats, which means they are necessary for human health, but the body can't make them. You have to get them through food. Omega-6 fatty acids are found in seeds and nuts, and the oils extracted from them.
Health effects
Polyunsaturated fatty acids are important for maintaining the membranes of all cells in the body. They also provide calories and help with the absorption of certain vitamins. Some types of these fatty acids are thought to reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Polyunsaturated fatty acid
- Wikipedia's article - Polyunsaturated fatty acid
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