Nas últimas décadas a prevalência de doenças cardiovasculares tem aumentado progressivamente
Termos de indexação: ácidos graxos saturados, ácidos graxos monoinsaturados, ácidos graxos poliinsaturados, doenças cardiovasculares.
A B S T R A C T A B S T R A C T A B S T R A C T A B S T R A C T A B S T R A C T
During the last decades the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases has increased progressively, becoming a serious public health problem. Some studies have shown a positive association between saturated fatty acid intake and the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, and a negative association with unsaturated fatty acids intake. These studies indicate a need to evaluate the different kinds of fatty acids (saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) and their effects, aiming at a better utilization and maintaining a suitable proportion in the diet in order to diminish the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this paper is to accomplish a review of the medical literature regarding fatty acids and their effects on cardiovascular diseases, as well as the evolution of their requirements through time, consumption trends and future perspectives.