Essential Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and their Dietary Sources for Man

Abstract

Composition and structure of molecules of fatty acids are regarded, including those of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Role of PUFA in human organism as the precursors of various endohormones is described. A review is done of results of many years clinical and epidemiological studies of PUFA effects on humans. An importance of balanced PUFA diet to prevent cardiovascular disease is considered. Data on PUFA contents in fish as the main source of these biochemicals for humans are generalized. A probable role of sea food in humans’ evolution is discussed. Aquatic ecosystems are characterized as the main producers of long-chain PUFA in Biosphere. Principal ways of sustaining of high PUFA production in aquatic ecosystems are regarded. Quantitative data on optimal portions of fish to consume and on ways of it culinary treatments are given.

Keywords

• polyunsaturated fatty acids
• aquatic ecosystems
• prevention of cardiovascular diseases