HNSC 1200 Lecture Notes - Lecture 26: American Heart Association, Inflammation, Triglyceride

• School: University of Manitoba
• Department: Human Nutritional Sciences
• Course: HNSC 1200
• Professor: Snehil Dua

Document Summary

Differentiate between the structure of linoleic and linolenic acid and between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids . Discuss the role of fats as functional foods and nutraceuticals . Essential fatty acids (efas) are fatty acids that the body cannot make itself, that we must get from foods. Linoleic acid (which is an example of an omega-6 fatty acid) and linolenic acid (which is an example of an omega-3 fatty) are the only essential fatty acids. The efas can be used by the body to make eicosanoids, which are biologically active compounds that regulate body functions. They can effect muscle relaxation and contraction, blood vessel dilatation and constriction, blood clot formation, blood lipid regulation and immune response to injury and infection. Research is showing that efas enhance the cognitive abilities in infants. Omega-6 fatty acids get their name because of a double carbon bond 6 carbons from the end of its chain.