Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
H
H
H
Cholesterol
H
H
HO
O
OH
A Free Fatty Acid
O
O
O
O
O
H
O
A Triglyceride
O
O
P
O
O
O
N
+
HO
O
H
A Phospholipid
O
FIGURE 5.12
Examples of various fatty acid compounds found in nature.
nomenclature, the omega-3 fatty acid means it has the first
cis
-double bond, three
carbons from the end of its chain.
The polyunsaturated omega-3 oils are found in flax and canola oils, and provide
alpha-linolenic acid. These fatty acids offer health benefits in support of endothelial
functions and promote synthesis of the vasodilator NO. They are known to reduce
platelet aggregation, triglycerides, and blood cholesterol levels.
The polyunsaturated omega-6 compounds can be found in safflower, corn, and
sunflower oils; and thus are a good source of linoleic acid. Terrestrial animal oils
provide arachidonic acid.
5.18 OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS IN FISH OIL
Marine sources provide two important omega oils known as eicosapentenoic acid
(EPA) and docosahexenoic acid (DHA) in a ratio 18% EPA and 12% DHA.
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