In this chapter, amaranth seed oil composition will be presented. The main component of this oil is triacylglycerols (TAGs). TAGs are composed of fatty acids, which have an important effect on oil stability, application, and nutritional properties. POL, PLL, POO, OLL, and LOO are the predominant TAGs in the amaranth seed oil. Linoleic acid (C18:2), oleic acid (C18:1), and palmitic acid (C16:0) are the predominant fatty acids present in the amaranth oil. Minor components of this oil are squalene, sterols, tocopherols, carotenoids, phospholipids, etc. Growth conditions of amaranth and extraction conditions can influence oil composition, which will be discussed in this chapter as well. Oil stability and quality parameters will be also discussed. The stability of this oil during different conditions of storage will be a part of this chapter.
Phytosterols (plant sterols and stanols) and waxes are a part of the minor components of vegetable fats and oils. Stanols are the saturated form of plant sterols. Phytosterols (PS) are isoprenoid derivatives, which are essential compounds of biological membranes. They are structurally similar to cholesterol and control fluidity of eukaryote membranes and have role in the synthesis of hormonal sterols. PS are a major part of the unsaponifiable fraction of vegetable oils. They can be found either in free or esterified forms. PS are classified into three groups according to the presence or absence of methyl group at their C4 position, namely desmethylsterols (without methyl group), monomethylsterols (with one methyl group), and dimethylsterols (with two methyl groups). Generally, desmethylsterols comprise a high proportion of PS. PS have antioxidative properties and also can be used in vegetable oil authenticity. Consumption of PS through diet has beneficial effects on human health, such as lowering of LDL cholesterol and prevention of various types of cancers. However, PS like other lipids can be oxidized, and their oxidation products are important from the nutritional point of view. Waxes naturally occur in vegetable oils. They are present in saponifiable fraction and can be removed with dewaxing/winterization process, which is necessary in salad oils. Waxes have different edible and nonedible applications. This article reviews plant sterols, stanols and waxes structure, content in vegetable oils, changes in the effects of various processes, applications, analytical aspects, and future prospects.
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