polyunsaturated fatty acid

Definition / meaning of polyunsaturated fatty acid

A fatty acid containing more than one double bond (C=C). The essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that contain 2 or more cis double bonds. Dietary intake of some PUFAs may have beneficial effects on blood pressure, serum lipds, and inflammation. Some PUFAs, such as omega-3 PUFAs, may have antineoplastic or chemopreventive activities.

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Source(s):

The Web site of the National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov/)

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