Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs): Heart-Healthy Fats Explained

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs): Heart-Healthy Fats Explained

Question 1. Phospholipids.
Answer: These are compound lipids containing phosphoric acid along with fatty acids, nitrogenous bases, and alcohol.

Types:

Structure:

Functions:

• Along with proteins forms a structural component of the membrane and regulates its permeability.
• Maintain conformation of the electron transport chain.
• Help in the absorption of fat from the intestine.
• Required for transport of lipids.
• Prevents the occurrence of fatty liver.
• Arachidonic acid which is libera led from phospholipids ads as a person loi Urn syllabus of eicosanoids.
• Help in cholesterol removal from the body by reversal of cholesterol transport.
• Act as surfactants.
• Involvement in signal transmission across membranes.
• Cephalin help in blood clotting.

Question 2. Polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Answer:

Definitions:

Fatty acids with 2 or more double bonds are collectively known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFFA),

Examples:

• Linoleic acid – CH₃(CH₂)₄CH – CHCH₂CH = CH(CH₂)₇COOH
• Linolenic acid CH3CH2CH = CHCH2CH = CHCH2CH = CH(CH₂)₇COOH
• Arachidonic acid – CH₃(CH₂)4CH – CHCH₂CH = CHCH₂CH = CHCH₂CH= CH (CH₂)₃COOH

Clinical importance:

• Reduces the plasma cholesterol level.
• Help in the transport of cholesterol and its excretion from the body.

Sources:

1. Oils rich in PUFA content.

• Cotton seed oil
• Soyabean oil
• Sunflower oil
• Fish oil

2. Oils poor in PUFA content.

• Ghee and coconut oil.