Vegetable oils
Plant oils are a valuable source of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids and tocopherols (vitamin E).
Among fatty acids, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are particularly significant, with alpha-linolenic acid (18:3) being the most commonly represented in plant oils. Among tocopherols, the most important for humans is alpha-tocopherol.
Unfortunately, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are present in plant oils in small amounts. They are represented by alpha-linolenic acid, which is the main fatty acid in only one of the known plant oils – flaxseed oil. More commonly found in plants are omega-6 fatty acids, the main one being linoleic acid (18:2). This acid is the basis of corn, sesame, sunflower, and pumpkin oils. More detailed information about the differences in structure and role for the human body between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can be found in the section Omega-3 and omega-6: which is better?
In this context, olive oil stands out, with its main component being monounsaturated oleic acid (18:1, omega-9). This acid helps dissolve cholesterol plaques in blood vessels, thus preventing the development of atherosclerosis.
Additionally, the usefulness of plant oils is determined by their content of tocopherols – well-known antioxidants. It has been established that among the seven forms of tocopherols, delta- and gamma-tocopherols possess the greatest antioxidant properties, while alpha-tocopherol, which is primarily found in the human body, has the least. However, alpha-tocopherol is exceptionally important for the human body (and for women during pregnancy, it is simply irreplaceable) as it stimulates the gonadotropic function of the adenohypophysis.
The adenohypophysis (anterior pituitary) produces a number of tropic (stimulating) hormones, particularly gonadotropic hormones, which influence sexual maturation and sexual function in humans. In women, they are responsible for the development of follicles, ovulation, conception processes, and the development and carrying of the fetus; in men, they affect spermatogenesis. Therefore, alpha-tocopherol is extremely important for the proper functioning of sexual function, unlike, for example, gamma-tocopherol, which is a stronger antioxidant. Without sufficient intake of alpha-tocopherol in women, normal pregnancy and fetal development are impossible, making its role difficult to overestimate.
At the same time, the use of large doses of tocopherols can have undesirable consequences (for more details, see Antioxidants. The Search for Truth).
One more thing. When discussing plant oils and their composition, we refer to first cold-pressed oils. This technology allows for the extraction of oil from seeds in the most gentle mode, almost completely preserving the composition of nutrients and biologically active substances.
