Unsaturated fatty acid
Unsaturated Fatty Acid
Unsaturated fatty acids (pronunciation: /ʌnˈsætʃəreɪtɪd ˈfæti ˈæsɪd/) are a type of fatty acid that contains one or more double bonds in the fatty acid chain. A fatty acid chain is monounsaturated if it contains one double bond, and polyunsaturated if it contains more than one double bond.
Etymology
The term "unsaturated" refers to the fact that the molecules of such a fatty acid are not "saturated" with hydrogen atoms, meaning they have fewer hydrogen atoms than do saturated fatty acids. The term "fatty acid" comes from the fact that these molecules are typically found in fats and oils.
Types of Unsaturated Fatty Acids
There are two main types of unsaturated fatty acids:
- Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs): These have one double bond in their fatty acid chain. Examples include oleic acid, found in olive oil, and palmitoleic acid, found in animal fats and oils.
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs): These have more than one double bond in their fatty acid chain. Examples include linoleic acid, found in corn oil, and alpha-linolenic acid, found in flaxseed oil.
Health Implications
Unsaturated fatty acids are generally considered healthier than saturated fatty acids. They can help to lower levels of LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol) and increase levels of HDL cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol), reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. However, they should still be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Unsaturated fatty acid
- Wikipedia's article - Unsaturated fatty acid
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