What are Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs)? What are the various health benefits of polyunsaturated fatty acids?
Polyunsaturated
Fatty Acids (PUFAs) are those with more than one double bond at the base of
their chain. This category includes several important nutrients, including the
membrane carrying cells of the body and Omega-3 fatty acids which help protect
the membranes against damage. The omega-3 fat in this type of fat helps to
protect against heart disease
There
are a variety of Polyunsaturated
Fatty Acids (PUFAs), or lipids that can be found in foods. The
saturated fat that we seek in our cooking comes from these fats. The
unsaturated variety is not so widely found in foods and may not be healthier
than the saturated varieties. They are usually found in foods rich in omega-3
fatty acid oils like salmon, tuna, walnuts, and other types of nuts. Oils from
the sesame seed are also loaded with polyunsaturated fatty acids. Other foods
with polyunsaturated fatty acids include nuts, seeds, olives, and some nuts and
seeds like sunflower seeds.
One
type of food that is particularly high in polyunsaturated fatty acids is fish.
Fish, particularly fish from the Alaskan and Atlantic regions, has proven to be
beneficial for cardiovascular disease. These types of fish are especially high
in n-3 PUFAs. The highest levels of n-3 PUFAs have been found in salmon, trout,
halibut, catfish, haddock, and striped bass.
Another
source of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) is walnuts. Although walnuts are
loaded with unsaturated fats, one of the prized benefits of walnuts is their
ability to provide essential omega-3 fatty acids. The omega-3 fatty acid is
particularly important for cardiovascular health because it raises blood
pressure and lowers triglyceride levels. Some studies even suggest that it may
lower the risk of heart disease. Thus, healthy
fats, and a balanced diet rich in raw nuts, seeds, and natural oils are
important for maintaining good health.
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