Food & Dietary Supplements
News, Events & Publications |
 |
Facts and Fallacies About Fatty Acids
Perhaps no term in food science has gained a worse reputation than the word fat. Just the mere mention of the word can bring shivers to the spines of nutritionists and consumers everywhere. However, it is important to remember that fats are an essential part of a proper diet and an important constituent in many types of food products. Lipids are the primary source of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K and are a concentrated source of energy providing over twice the energy of carbohydrates or protein. In addition, fats and oils add function, taste and palatability to many types of foods. However, the consumption of specific lipids and their potential impact on health remains an extremely important dietary issue.
Although the exact origins of the terms fats and lipids in connection with a chemical component of foods is unclear, both words can be traced to ancient times. The word lipid is derived from the Greek lipos, meaning fat. The Old English word faett, appeared in the classic 9th century tale of Beowulf and was used to describe vessels or vats of large size. Through the decades, the term found its way into the popular lexicon and the meaning expanded. A popular proverb of the 1600s declared that "Every Fatt must stand on his own bottom." In the 1860s, the term fatt was used in some references as a measure equal to approximately 9 gallons. Over the years, the terms fat and lipid have been used interchangeably to describe a group of chemical compounds including triacylglycerol (i.e., triglycerides), phospholipids, and sterols. Fatty acids are so named due to their role as the key components of lipids and their structure which contains an organic acid group (i.e., COOH).
For more information, download the complete article.
Facts and Fallacies About Fatty Acids
Joe Polywacz and Richard Crowley
Food Safety Magazine
November 2003
 Download PDF, Order Reprints
Resources
Sample Analysis Request Form
 Download Form
Shipping Instructions
Download PDF |
|
|
