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polyunsaturated
polyunsaturated
Adjective
This term is a technical descriptor used primarily in biochemistry and nutrition to categorize specific types of fats. It describes a molecular structure where multiple double bonds exist, making the fatty acid chain more fluid and typically liquid at room temperature.
In a dietary context, it is almost always paired with the word "fats" or "fatty acids." It carries a generally positive health connotation in medical discourse, often contrasted with "saturated" or "trans" fats, which are associated with higher cardiovascular risks.
Meanings
Related Words
saturatedfatlipidoilomegaomega 3omega 6acidfatty aciddouble bondcarbonhydrogenmoleculechemistrybiochemistrynutritiondietcholesteroltriglyceridemembranephospholipidessentialunsaturatedmonounsaturatedtrans fatoxidationperoxidationantioxidantvitamin Eheartcardiovasculararteryplaquehealthmetabolismcalorieenergylipid profileLDLsunflower oilcorn oilfish oilcanola oillipid bilayerfluiditysaturationhydrocarbonalkeneisomerstereochemistryenzymedesaturaseadiposetissuecellhormoneprostaglandinleukotrieneinflammation