The Fats of Life: Essential Fatty Acids in Health and Disease

by Glen D. Lawrence

Overview

Omega-3s, trans-fats, polyunsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acidùresearch facts about fatty acids and their relationship to heart disease and atherosclerosis, obesity, cancer, and neurological disorders abound. Chemical names appear on every nutrition label. But, just what do these terms mean in health and disease?

The Fats of Life delineates the importance of essential fatty acids, with a focus on distinctions between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid variants. The chemical and biochemical characteristics of these fatty acids and their metabolism to a vast array of potent bioactive messengers are described in the context of their potential effects on general health and impact on various diseases and neurological disorders. Glen D. Lawrence addresses in detail the capacity for polyunsaturated fatty acids to influence asthma, atherosclerosis, heart disease, inflammation, cancer, and immunity. Lawrence makes clear that our understanding of the biochemical and physiological effects of dietary fats has advanced tremendously as a result of careful research, but he also stresses that this knowledge has not easily translated into sound dietary recommendations.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780813554235
Publisher:	Rutgers University Press
Publication date:	02/26/2013
Edition description:	First Paperback Edition
Pages:	296
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.90(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

GLEN D. LAWRENCE is a professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Long Island University. He served as a science advisor at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Table of Contents

List of Figures vii

List of Tables ix

Preface xi

List of Abbreviations xv

Part 1 Nutritional, Chemical, and Physiological Properties of Dietary Fats

1 The Dietary Fat Doctrine 3

2 Lipid Terminology, Structure, and Function 15

3 Some Dietary Fats Are Essential 33

4 Signals, Messengers, and Responses 44

5 Oxidation and Lipid Peroxidation 60

Part 2 Dietary Fats in Health and Disease

6 Atherosclerosis 73

7 Risk Factors in Cardiovascular Disease 88

8 Lipid-Lowering Drugs 96

9 Inflammation, Anti-inflammatory Drugs, and Lipid Mediators 107

10 Cancer and Immunity 122

11 Neurological Development, Memory, and Learning 138

12 Functional Disorders of the Nervous System 152

13 Neurodegenerative Diseases 166

Part 3 Influence of Diet on Overall Health

14 Obesity: Health Consequences and Dietary Influences 183

15 Dietary Choices for Comprehensive Health 201

Appendix A Fundamentals of Chemical Bonding and Polarity 215

Appendix B Fatty Acid Composition of Dietary Fats and Oils 219

Appendix C Chemical Structures of Eicosanoids 222

Appendix D Human Lipoproteins: Their Components, Properties, and Associated Proteins 225

Appendix E Overview of Neuronal Processes 228

Glossary 235

References 249

Index 271

Editorial Reviews

A well-documented resource that can help physicians understand, critique, and contribute to the ongoing discussion about nutrition and health that patients are now having without them.

Minnesota Medicine

Lawrence presents a case to revise the recommendations on dietary fats and carbohydrates. The book will be especially valuable for those giving dietary advice or studying dietary recommendations. Highly recommended.

Choice

Dr. Lawrence expertly ties together a detailed look at the chemistry of lipids with their roles in both normal human biology and human disease.**Must have reviewer's permission to run any changes**

Professor of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine - Robert Greenwald

Dr. Lawrence's book fills a niche for understanding fat metabolism in health and disease. His work is a valuable reference for practicing physicians, nurses, dietitians, and nutritional counselors.

director of sports medicine, Pace University - Lester Mayers