2.5 Dietary Considerations and Triacylglycerols

• Nations whose citizens have high dietary intakes of fats and oils tend to have higher incidences of heart disease and certain types of cancers.
• Current recommended amount for total fat intake in calories:

  • 15 % - Monounsaturated fats
  • 10 % - Polyunsaturated fats
  • < 10 % - Saturated fats
• Saturated fats are considered “bad fats”
• Monounsaturated fats are considered “good fats”
• Polyunsaturated fats can be both “good fats” and “bad fats”.
• Fish are a good source for omega-3 fatty acids
• 2 most important essential fatty acids are:

  • Linoleic acid (18:2) - Omega 6
  • Linolenic acid (18:3) - Omega 3
• Deficiency of Linoleic and Linolenic Acid may result in:

  • Skin redness
  • Infections and dehydration 
  • Liver abnormalities
• Numerous studies now indicate that eating nuts can have a strong protective effect against coronary heart disease .