Animal fats omega-3 fatty acids

Initially, of course, we heard about the Inuit Eskimos of Greenland and how they almost never developed heart disease even though they ate large amounts of fat in the form of fish and marine animals. At first glance, that appeared paradoxical. Then came the realization that the fat consumed was a kind of polyunsaturated fatty acid termed omega-3.Think about it if the fat in coldwater fish were saturated, those fish would be as stiff and hard as a stick of butter in the refrigerator. 

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA or 20 5n-3) A 2()-carbon, five double-bond fatty acid of the omega-3 family produced in animals through the metabohsm of alphalinolenic acid. One of the principal fat components of fish. 

Problems 7.17 to 7.19 refer to the system cottonseed oil (A)-liquid propane (B)-oleic acid (C) at 372 K and 42.5 atm, Equilibrium tie-line data taken from Treybal (1980) in weight percent are given in Table 7.7. Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid found naturally in many plant sources and in animal products. It is an omega-nine fatty acid, and considered one of the healthier sources of fat in the diet. It s commonly used as a replacement for animal... 

Neuronal membranes contain phospholipids. A lack of essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 fats, or excessive intake of saturated fats, margarine, cholesterol, and animal fatty acids, can result in abnormalities. The neuronal cell membrane regulates the passage of molecules into and out of the cell. Neuronal membrane fluidity is believed to impact behavior, mood, and mental function. Physical properties, including the fluidity, of neuronal membranes affect neurotransmitter synthesis, signal transmission, uptake of serotonin and other neurotransmitters, neurotransmitter binding, and the activity of key enzymes that break down neurotransmitters like serotonin, epinephrine, dopamine, and norepinephrine. 

Neuronal membranes contain large amounts essential fatty acids, derived entirely from the diet. Animal studies demonstrate a significant increase in the amount of serotonin in the frontal cortex of animals that consume a high fish diet compared to a standard diet rich in omega-6 fats. Andrew Stoll and his colleagues at Harvard Medical School reported that lithium and valproate, used to treat depression,block the release of arachi-donic acid. 

Stearic acid (octadecanoic acid) is a waxy solid that is a component of animal and vegetable fats (see illustration). Stearic acid is used in cosmetics, as a dietary supplement, and to make candles. Arachidic acid (eicosanoic acid) is found in peanut oil as well as in fish oil. Certain terminology can be used, particularly for fatty acids that are found in nature. The carboxylic acid end is polar, associated with water solubility, and is labeled the delta (A) end of the fatty acid. The methyl end is associated with being nonpolar and more soluble in oils and is labeled the omega (O) end (see the labels in 92). 

Omega-9 fatty acids are common components of animal fats and vegetable oils. Two omega-9 fatty acids important in industry are... 

Omega-9 fatty acids are abundantly present in animal fats and vegetable oils. 

Linoleic acid (see molecule shown in Fig. 5.99) belongs to a group of omega-6 unsaturated fatty acids. It too occurs in the form of glycerol ester in vegetable fats, and to a lesser extent in animal fats. 

Alpha-linoleic acid (molecule structure is shown in Fig. 5.100) belongs to a group of omega-3 polyunsamrated fatty acids. It occurs as an ester of glycerol in small amounts in vegetable fats, especially flaxseed oil, and animal fats. 

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