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The chemical compositions of tree nut oils were examined. D5-avenasterol, 22-nordehydrocholesterol, 24-methylenecholesterol, cholesterol, cholestanol and b-sitostanol also present. The tocopherol compositions were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography, showing that a-and g-tocopherols were the predominant tocopherol homologs present; however, d-and b-tocopherols were also detected in some samples. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSTree nut oils contain health-promoting unsaturated fatty acids and minor components that may render beneficial effects. The lipid class compositions of 1 Corresponding

The oxidative stability of selected tree nut oils was examined. The oils of almond, Brazil nut, hazelnut, pecan, pine nut, pistachio, and walnut were extracted using two solvent extraction systems, namely, hexane and chloroform/methanol. The chloroform/methanol system afforded a higher oil yield for each tree nut type examined (pine nut had the highest oil content, whereas almond had the lowest). The fatty acid compositions of tree nut oils were analyzed using gas chromatography, showing that oleic acid was the predominant fatty acid in all samples except pine nut and walnut oils, which contained high amounts of linoleic acid. The tocopherol compositions were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography, showing that alpha- and gamma-tocopherols were the predominant tocopherol homologues present; however delta- and beta-tocopherols were also detected in some samples. The oxidative stability of nonstripped and stripped tree nut oils was examined under two conditions, namely, accelerated autoxidation and photooxidation. Progression of oxidation was monitored using tests for conjugated dienes, peroxide value, p-anisidine value, and headspace volatiles. Primary products of oxidation persisted in the earlier stages of oxidation, whereas secondary oxidation product levels increased dramatically during the later stages of oxidation. Hexanal was the major headspace aldehyde formed in all oxidized samples except walnut oil, which contained primarily propanal. Results showed that chloroform/methanol-extracted oils were more stable than hexane-extracted oils in both the accelerated autoxidation and photooxidation studies. Oils of pecan and pistachio were the most stable, whereas oils of pine nut and walnut were the least stable.

The omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids have a wide range of beneficial effects in several human health conditions. Animal and in vitro studies have indicated that omega-3 fatty acids affect blood lipid profiles, cardiovascular health, membrane lipid composition, eicosanoid biosynthesis, cell signaling cascades, and gene expression. Findings from epidemiological studies suggest that intake of omega-3 fatty acids from natural sources or supplements may influence the onset and progression of several disease states, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. This review highlights some recent research findings that help advance our understanding of how omega-3 fatty acids influence cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Omega-3 fatty acids from marine and plant sources provide a wide range of benefits in several human health conditions. In vivo studies indicate that omega-3 fatty acids influence the course of several human diseases, including those that involve abnormal immune function, mental disorders, and genetic abnormalities in lipid metabolism. Omega-3 fatty acids are taken up by virtually all body cells and affect membrane composition, eicosanoid biosynthesis, cell signaling cascades, and gene expression. These fatty acids are especially important during human brain development; maternal deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids may lead to several neurological disorders. The review highlights recent findings on omega-3 fatty acids' influence on autoimmune diseases, mental health, and gene expression.