Fatty acid composition of oilseed crops: A review

Abstract

Fatty acids play a very important role in our body. Both essential and nonessential fatty acids are necessary for our body. They help in regulation of membrane structure and function, transcription factor activity, regulation of intracellular signalling pathways, and gene expression. Traditional oilseed crops in India include safflower, sunflower, mustard, soybean, etc. Linseed and garden cress seeds are also being popularized due to its healthy effect on the heart and body. The fatty acids are categorized based on bond present in them, viz., saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). As per WHO (Interim summary of conclusions and dietary recommendations on total fat and fatty acids. The joint FAO/WHO expert consultation on fats and fatty acids in human nutrition. World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, 2008) specifications, the ratio between sat-, mono-, and polyunsaturated fatty acids should be 1:1.5:1 which is considered ideal for healthy heart. This exact ratio is not present in any oil. Moreover, the oils are lacking in one or more essential fatty acids. Therefore, the present article shows the brief description and comparison of fatty acid composition of seven different oilseeds, viz., mustard, garden cress, sunflower, safflower, groundnut, linseed, and sesame seeds, to find out among the best oil to be consumed.