Elaidic acid

Elaidic acid is a trans fat that is found in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, and is the most common trans fat found in our diet. It is a type of fatty acid that is considered unhealthy due to its potential to increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and decrease high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in the blood.

Chemical Structure

Elaidic acid has the chemical formula C18H34O2. It is an unsaturated fat with one double bond located in the trans configuration. This configuration gives elaidic acid a straight shape, which allows it to pack together more tightly than cis fats, which have a bent shape.

Sources

Elaidic acid is found in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, such as soybean oil, canola oil, and cottonseed oil. These oils are often used in processed foods, including baked goods, fried foods, and snack foods. Elaidic acid can also be found in some types of margarine.

Health Effects

The consumption of elaidic acid has been linked to an increased risk of coronary heart disease. This is due to its potential to increase LDL cholesterol and decrease HDL cholesterol in the blood. High levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to the formation of plaque in the arteries, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. On the other hand, HDL cholesterol helps to remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream, so a decrease in HDL cholesterol can also contribute to heart disease.

See Also

• Trans fat
• Fatty acid
• Low-density lipoprotein
• High-density lipoprotein
• Coronary heart disease
• Stroke

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Elaidic_acid

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