polyunsaturated fatty acid

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Explanation of "Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid"

Definition:
A polyunsaturated fatty acid is a type of fat that is good for your health. It has a special structure made of carbon atoms. In this structure, there are more than one double bonds between the carbon atoms. This means that it has more than one place where the carbon atoms are connected differently than in simple fats.

Example Sentence:

• "Eating fish rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids can help improve heart health."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced discussions, you might encounter terms like "omega-3" and "omega-6" fatty acids, which are specific types of polyunsaturated fatty acids. These terms are often used in nutrition science and health discussions.

Word Variants:

• Polyunsaturated: This adjective describes something that contains multiple double bonds, such as "polyunsaturated fats."
• Fatty Acid: This is a general term for a type of fat. You can have saturated, unsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Different Meanings:

In general conversation, "fatty acid" refers to various types of fats, but "polyunsaturated fatty acid" specifically refers to those with multiple double bonds.

Synonyms:

• Healthy fats: A common term used to describe fats that are beneficial, which can include polyunsaturated fatty acids.
• Unsaturated fats: This is a broader category that includes both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs specifically associated with "polyunsaturated fatty acid," but you might hear phrases like "watch your fats" when discussing healthy eating.

Summary:

In summary, polyunsaturated fatty acids are healthy fats found in certain oils and fish. They have a specific chemical structure that makes them beneficial for our health, especially for the heart.

Academic

Noun

1. an unsaturated fatty acid whose carbon chain has more than one double or triple valence bond per molecule; found chiefly in fish and corn and soybean oil and safflower oil