| abstract |
FOOD COMPOSITIONS THAT INCORPORATE ADDITIONAL LONG CHAIN FATTY ACIDS. The present invention relates to the improvement of food items through the increased use of stearidonic acid derived from plants in a composition that also reduces the content of linolenic acid. Many long-chain fatty acids have been classified as Èmega 3 and have been shown to provide several health benefits, including heart health. According to the present invention, plant-derived stearidonic acid (18: 4 <sym> 3) has been incorporated into a wide range of food products by using a base composition with a low content of linolenic acid to increase stability and shelf life, while reducing the need for hydrogenation. The product composition can be used as an oil-based composition or a flour processed from soybeans with increased levels of stearidonic acid. These foods range from oil-based products (salad dressing, mayonnaise) to milk products (milk, cheese), to prepared foods (starters, side dishes). In addition to the increased health benefits, the present invention provides foods rich in Èmega-3 fatty acids that have improved storage and / or shelf life characteristics. |