The efficacy and function of linoleic acid

Linoleic acid is a substance found in animal and plant fats. It is generally found in higher concentrations in plants. Linoleic acid can be used to make paint and can also be used as a medicinal material. This also proves the saying that "all medicines are poisonous to some extent". Since it can be used as a medicinal material, there are certain medicinal contraindications. We must follow the doctor's advice or read the instructions carefully before use to ensure our health. So, what are the effects and functions of linoleic acid? Let’s take a look at it together.

【1】Content

The content in animal fat is generally low, such as 1.8% in butter and 6% in lard; the content in some vegetable oils is higher, such as 26% in peanut oil, 57.5% in soybean oil, and 15.8% in rapeseed oil. Linoleic acid is a colorless oily liquid. Melting point -5℃, the melting point data introduced in the chemical industry version of "Handbook of Practical Chemistry" is -9.5℃, boiling point 229~230℃ (2.13KPa), relative density 0.9022 (20/4℃). Insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents such as ether and chloroform. It is prone to self-oxidation in the air. When treated with selenium at 200°C or with nitrogen oxides, it is converted into trans-linoleic acid. During hydrogenation, it first turns into 12-octadecenoic acid and oleic acid, and then further hydrogenates into stearic acid. Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid in human and animal nutrition. Sodium or potassium salt of linoleic acid is one of the ingredients of soap and can be used as a surfactant such as an emulsifier. It can be used in medicine to treat diseases such as hyperlipidemia and arteriosclerosis. Its aluminum salt can be used to make paints, coatings, etc.

[2] Main uses : Used as drying oil in paints and varnishes, and also used in the manufacture of medicines.

Health Hazards: Irritating to human skin, ingestion may cause nausea and vomiting.

Environmental hazards: It is harmful to the environment and may cause pollution to water and air.

Explosion hazard: This product is flammable and irritating.

Hazardous characteristics: Flammable when exposed to open flame or high heat.

Fatty acids that the human body cannot synthesize, or the amount synthesized is far from meeting the needs, are called essential fatty acids. Linoleic acid is recognized as an essential fatty acid. Linoleic acid has received much attention because it can lower blood cholesterol and prevent atherosclerosis. Studies have found that cholesterol must combine with linoleic acid in order to function and metabolize normally in the body. If there is a lack of linoleic acid, cholesterol will combine with some saturated fatty acids, causing metabolic disorders and depositing on the blood vessel walls, gradually forming atherosclerosis and causing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.