Linoleic acid combines with cholesterol in the blood to form low-melting-point esters, which are easy to emulsify, transport, and metabolize. They are not prone to accumulating as deposits on the arterial walls, thus helping to prevent arteriosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, and hyperlipidemia.
1. Edible oils that raise blood lipids and accelerate atherosclerosis, such as various animal oils, cocoa butter, and coconut and palm oils. These oils have a saturated fatty acid content as high as 84% to 93%, while their unsaturated fatty acid content is below 7% to 14%, primarily consisting of monounsaturated fatty acids. Such oils are currently commonly used to induce atherosclerosis in animals.
2. Plant oils that have no significant effect on blood lipids and atherosclerosis, mainly including olive oil, peanut oil, and rapeseed oil. In these oils, monounsaturated fatty acids account for about 40% to 65%, and the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids is close to that of saturated fatty acids. The Xiyuan Hospital of the China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine reported that feeding rabbits only peanut oil had little effect on blood lipids and atherosclerosis. However, when fed with cholesterol, it accelerated the formation of atherosclerosis and worsened the condition. This is because peanut oil contains more than 40% oleic acid, which promotes the absorption of cholesterol.
3. Plant oils that lower blood lipids and have anti-atherosclerotic effects, which are primarily rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. These include safflower seed oil, sunflower seed oil, rubber seed oil, corn oil, and soybean oil. Long-term consumption can lower blood lipids and alleviate atherosclerosis. Safflower seed oil has the highest known linoleic acid content among all vegetable oils, reaching 80%. Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid for the human body; an adult needs to consume 6 grams daily to maintain normal physiological functions. It combines with cholesterol in the blood to form low-melting-point esters, which are easy to emulsify, transport, and metabolize. They are not prone to accumulating as deposits on the arterial walls, thus helping to prevent arteriosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, and hyperlipidemia.