Published by United Scientific Group
AbstractFatty acids composition are an important attribute in oil. The present study aimed to evaluate three selected sources of oil namely, sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Oil were extracted from seeds produced in Syria and irradiated with 3, 6 and 9 kGy of gamma-irradiation to assess the variability in fatty acid composition and to determine the relationship between irradiation and certain fatty acids. Results demonstrated that sesame, sunflower and peanut oils are of unsaturated type and contain mainly the oleic C18:1 and linoleic C18:2 fatty acids. Irradiation of seeds with medium doses (3 to 9 kGy) did not significantly affect the fatty acids contents. However, the un-saturated, saturated fatty acids, and the ratio of saturated to un-saturated fatty acids (TU/TS) were altered upon irradiation. These changes were significant for sesame and sunflower oils, but not for peanut oil.
KeywordsFatty acids, Gamma irradiation, Peanut oil, Sesame oil, Sunflower oil
IntroductionOils from vegetables are complex mixtures that contain several compounds and are made up of free fatty acids (FFA), triacylglycerols, glycolipids, diacylglycerols, phospholipids, and other minor components [1]. Vegetable oil usage is largely centered on the type of fatty acids present in the oil and these fatty acids fall into various lipid categories [1,2].Fat is an important dietary component, which affects both growth and health. Even though polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been investigated to have health benefits [3]. Compositions of vegetable oils are valuable information in understanding their functional, quality and nutritional properties. Increasing the content of saturated fatty acids can enhance stability with the concomitant increase of the proportion of solid fat and the melting temperature [4]. Oilseeds vary widely in their fatty acids composition, but tend to be rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) (e.g. peanuts) or PUFA (e.g. sunflower seeds) [5]. Also, the composition of oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids in oil has an effect on the oxidative stability [6].Gamma-irradiation has wide range of applications in food technology [7][8][9]. Irradiation causes molecular changes, among which the formation of free radicals is one of the most important for a high fat content foods that in turn can change the fatty acid composition and consequently the fat functional benefits [9][10][11][12][13]. The increase in free fatty acid was observed in beans and edible oils irradiated in the range of 1.0-20 kGy [14]. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are susceptible