Elaidic acid
Elaidic Acid
Elaidic acid (pronounced: eh-lay-dik as-id) is a type of trans fat found in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, and is the most common trans fat found in our diet. It is a geometric isomer of oleic acid, the principal fat found in olive oil.
Etymology
The term "elaidic" is derived from the Greek word "elaion" which means oil. It was first isolated by French chemists in the 19th century from elaidin, a yellow, oily substance.
Structure and Properties
Elaidic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid with the chemical formula C18H34O2. It is a colorless to white crystalline solid with a melting point of 43.5-45.5 °C. It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether.
Health Effects
Consumption of elaidic acid and other trans fats has been linked to an increased risk of coronary heart disease. This is because trans fats raise levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad" cholesterol) and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or "good" cholesterol) in the blood.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Elaidic acid
- Wikipedia's article - Elaidic acid
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