polyunsaturated

[ pol-ee-uhn-sach-uh-rey-tid ]

adjective

, Nutrition.

1. of or noting a class of animal or vegetable fats, especially plant oils, whose molecules consist of carbon chains with many double bonds unsaturated by hydrogen atoms and that are associated with a low cholesterol content of the blood.

polyunsaturated

/ ˌpɒlɪʌnˈsætʃəˌreɪtɪd /

adjective

1. of or relating to a class of animal and vegetable fats, the molecules of which consist of long carbon chains with many double bonds. Polyunsaturated compounds are less likely to be converted into cholesterol in the body. They are widely used in margarines and in the manufacture of paints and varnishes See also monounsaturated

polyunsaturated

/ pŏl′ē-ŭn-săch′ə-rā′tĭd /

1. Relating to an organic compound, especially a fat, in which more than one pair of carbon atoms are joined by double or triple bonds.
2. See more at unsaturated

Word History and Origins

Origin of polyunsaturated¹

First recorded in 1930–35; poly- + unsaturated

Example Sentences

Researchers found that higher levels of arachidonic acid, a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid obtained from foods like poultry, seafood and eggs, led to a lower risk of bipolar disorder.

From Salon

That’s because omega-3 fats are polyunsaturated and have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke.

From Seattle Times

In part because, like plants, they grow by means of photosynthesis, and partly because they themselves contain both a large amount of protein and healthy polyunsaturated fatty acids.

From Science Daily

Moreover, the PGDHOs revealed a clear imbalance in very long chain fatty acids, particularly affecting omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are mostly synthesized in the ER.

From Science Daily

"This research has revealed part of the complex regulatory mechanisms involving various food-related components, including dietary fiber, SCFAs, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and vitamins."

From Science Daily