Question

Linolenic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid and its content is highest in
a. Cotton oil
b. Groundnut oil
c. Sunflower
d. Coconut oil

Answer 1

Hint: Linolenic acid is an essential unsaturated fatty acid that belongs to the omega-3 fatty acids group. The highest concentration of linolenic acid is present in plant oils. Some plant oils have a high percentage of linolenic acid whereas others have less percentage of linolenic acid. Found in many vegetables, nuts, and oils. Linolenic acid is good for skin, it acts as an anti-inflammatory. Linolenic acids are healthier than linoleic acids.

Complete answer:
> Fatty acids which contain one or more double bonds are known as unsaturated fatty acids. Unsaturated fatty acids are found in plants. These fatty acids lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Linolenic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid that contains two double bonds. Linolenic acid content is highest in sunflower. Sunflower contains 71.17% of linolenic acid.
> Cottonseed oil contains 56.35% of linolenic acid.
> Coconut oil contains only 1-2.6% of linolenic acid.
> Groundnut contains 20% of linolenic acid.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Additional information:
- Linolenic acid inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandin results in the reduction of inflammation and the prevention of various chronic diseases.
- It is used to lower high blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels in the blood, prevent heart attacks, and reverse the hardening of blood vessels.
- It is also used as a moisturizing agent for skin.
- Food that contains alpha-linolenic acid is canola oil, flaxseeds and flaxseed oil, soybeans and soybean oil, tofu, walnuts, and walnut oil, etc.

Note: Linolenic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid that contains two double bonds. These are the essential fatty acids. These are important for preserving nerve flow. Its highest content is present in sunflower. It is concluded that dietary intake of linolenic acid reduces the 15% chance of coronary heart diseases. Due to the presence of two double bonds, linolenic acids are oxidatively unstable. Coconut oil has the least content of linolenic acid.