Monounsaturated fatty acids
Monounsaturated Fatty Acids
Monounsaturated fatty acids (pronunciation: /ˌmɒnoʊˌʌnsæˈtʃʊərɪd ˈfæti ˈæsɪdz/), often abbreviated as MUFA, are a type of fatty acid that have one double bond in the fatty acid chain with all of the remainder carbon atoms being single-bonded.
Etymology
The term "monounsaturated" is derived from the prefix "mono-" meaning "one" and "unsaturated" referring to the presence of double bonds. The term "fatty acid" refers to a carboxylic acid with a long aliphatic chain, which is either saturated or unsaturated.
Types of Monounsaturated Fatty Acids
The most common monounsaturated fatty acids are oleic acid and palmitoleic acid. Oleic acid has 18 carbon atoms with one double bond and is abundant in most fats and oils. Palmitoleic acid, on the other hand, has 16 carbon atoms with one double bond and is found in animal fats and tropical oils.
Health Effects
Monounsaturated fatty acids are considered healthier than saturated fatty acids because they can help reduce levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol, and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good" cholesterol, in the blood. They are also associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke.
Dietary Sources
Monounsaturated fatty acids are found in a variety of foods, including olives, avocados, nuts, and seeds. They are also present in certain types of oils, such as olive oil, canola oil, and peanut oil.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Monounsaturated fatty acids
- Wikipedia's article - Monounsaturated fatty acids
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