Question:

Which among the following is a cardioprotective fatty acid?

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Think of the polyunsaturated fats from fish oil that lower triglycerides.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • Palmitic acid
  • Stearic acid
  • Oleic acid
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Fatty acids differ in their effect on the cardiovascular system depending on their saturation and structure.
Step 2: Palmitic acid and stearic acid are saturated fatty acids; high intake of saturated fat tends to raise LDL cholesterol and is not cardioprotective. Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid that is broadly neutral to beneficial but is not the classic cardioprotective answer.
Step 3: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (such as EPA and DHA from fish and alpha-linolenic acid from plant sources) lower triglycerides, have anti-arrhythmic and anti-thrombotic effects, and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
Step 4: Hence the recognised cardioprotective fatty acids are the omega-3 fatty acids. The correct answer is option 4 (Omega-3 fatty acids).
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