Omega 3 Fatty Acids
where do omega-3s come from?
marine sources (fish consume algae that synthesize these fats), plant sources
saturation of carbon chain affects...
melting point
role of omega-3s in brain
membrane enhancing capabilities, fortification of myelin sheaths of neurons, promotes neural growth
polyunsaturated fat
more than one double bond
functional outcomes influenced by fats
neurobehavioral development, immune function, growth, mental health, long-term metabolic health
saturated fat
no double bonds in the carbon chain
methyll end
omega end
two major types of essential fatty acids:
omega-3 and omega-6
monounsaturated fat
one double bond
unsaturated fats
one or more double bonds in the carbon chain
what is the most popular form of omega-3
salmon
essential fatty acids
the ones that humans cannot synthesize
omega refers to
the position of the first double bond from the head
women's own diet affects
the quality of her breastmilk and neurodevelopment of infants
Are Omega-3s unsaturated or saturated
they are saturated fatty acids
effects of omega-3 supplementing on arteries
things arterial walls
supplements
do not provide the associated benefits of the actual food
Primary plant source of omega-3
flax seed, rapeseed
what is the best source of ALA
flaxseed oil
what is the ratio of omega-6 fats to omega-3 acids in the typical U.S. diet
10:1
Structure of triglycerides
a glycerol backbone and 3 fatty acids
Fats
a subgroup of lipids called triglycerides
Biological function of fats
building blocks of lipids, function in energy and fueling, membrane structure and function, and are involved in signalling systems within and between cells
macronutrients
carb, fat, and protein
Americans have a huge reliance upon
corn oil
EPA
functional fats
individuals with depression
have lower omega-3 levels
effects of EPA on cholesterol
helps to lower it
cis fatty acid
hydrogen atoms are all on the same side of the double bond; most common form
trans fatty acid
hydrogen atoms are on opposite sides of the double bond; found in processed foods; very unhealthy
high triglyceride
hypertricglyceridaemia
Structure of fatty acids
includes a carbon chain that is 4-24 carbons long; one end of the chain is soluble in water
DHA
structural fats
Primary time for accumulating DHA in brain
the 3rd trimester
fats are defined by
the location of the first double bond (omega-3 vs. omega-6)
triglycerides
the main storage form of fat in animal tissues and the main type of fat in foods; important source of fuel; produce large amounts of ATP
the longer the carbon chain...
the more beneficial it is