Polyunsaturated

Polyunsaturated fat is a type of dietary fat. It is one of the healthy fats, along with monounsaturated fat. Polyunsaturated fat is different from saturated fat in that it has two or more double bonds in its carbon chain. There are two main types of polyunsaturated fats: omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids.

Types of Polyunsaturated Fats

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat. They are considered essential fats, meaning they are necessary for human health, but the body can't make them; you have to get them through food. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and trout, and flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.

Omega-6 fatty acids

Omega-6 fatty acids are another type of polyunsaturated fat. They are also considered essential fats that need to be obtained from the diet. Omega-6 fatty acids are found in many oils, including corn oil, safflower oil, and soybean oil, as well as nuts and seeds.

Health Benefits

Polyunsaturated fats can help reduce bad cholesterol levels in your blood which can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. They also provide nutrients to help develop and maintain your body’s cells. Oils rich in polyunsaturated fats also contribute vitamin E to the diet, an antioxidant vitamin most Americans need more of.

Risks

While polyunsaturated fats have health benefits, they should still be consumed in moderation. Like all types of fat, polyunsaturated fats are high in calories.

See Also

• Saturated fat
• Monounsaturated fat
• Trans fat

Polyunsaturated Resources
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