289 Virgin Olive Oil Benefits - alpha-linolenic acid; linolenic acid; linolenic; ALA A ω-3 or n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid with 18 carbon atoms and 3 double bonds. It is one of the two essential fatty acids. Its presence in foods and potential health benefits are discussed in the general description of ω-3 polyunsaturated lipids in this section. LIPOPROTEIN (a) (See LIPIDS / Concepts / Cholesterol) LIPOTOXICITY Lipid accumulation in the liver and other non-adipose tissues (such as muscle, heart, pancreas, or brain) impairs their function and can either cause or contribute to the development of various metabolic disorders. LONG CHAIN (See LIPIDS / Concepts / Fatty acids) LONG CHAIN FATTY ACIDS (See LIPIDS / Concepts / Fatty acids) LOW DENSITY LIPIDS (See LIPIDS / Concepts) LYCOPENE (See CAROTENOIDS) MACRONUTRIENTS and MICRONUTRIENTS Nutrients are the fundamental components found in food: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. These substances are essential for growth, maintaining all bodily functions, and repairing tissues. Although all are vital, they are required in different amounts and are therefore classified as either macronutrients or micronutrients. Macronutrients are needed in large quantities. This group includes carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins (some classifications also include water). Once digested, they contribute to the body’s structure, support its essential functions, and provide the energy it needs to operate (carbohydrates and proteins: 4 kilocalories/g each; lipids: 9 kilocalories/g; water provides no energy). Micronutrients include vitamins and minerals. Although needed only in small amounts, they are fundamental to life, as they participate in numerous internal chemical reactions. They are involved in most cellular processes: support tissue repair, growth, and help defend the body against disease. Micronutrients do not provide energy. alpha-linolenic acid (C18H30O2) (C18:3 ω-3) alpha-linolenic 3 -------- ------ ---- --- H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ,,o Hc-c-c=c-c-c=c-c-c=c-c-c-c-c-c-c-c-c 3 1 I I I I 1 1 1 1 1 'oH H H H HHHHHHH 0 e H o
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Njg1MjYx