Polüküllastamata

Polüküllastamata refers to a class of chemical compounds, specifically fatty acids, characterized by the presence of multiple carbon-carbon double bonds within their hydrocarbon chain. This distinguishes them from monoküllastamata fatty acids, which have only one double bond, and küllastunud fatty acids, which have no double bonds. The presence of these double bonds introduces kinks or bends into the fatty acid molecule.

This molecular structure impacts the physical properties of these compounds. Polüküllastamata fatty acids tend to be liquid at room temperature due to the reduced ability of the bent molecules to pack closely together. They are commonly found in vegetable oils such as sunflower, soybean, and corn oil, as well as in fish oils.

From a biological perspective, polüküllastamata fatty acids are considered essential nutrients for humans and many animals, meaning they cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet. Prominent examples include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which play crucial roles in various bodily functions, including cell membrane structure, inflammation regulation, and brain development. However, the balance between omega-3 and omega-6 intake is also a significant area of nutritional research.