Scientists synthesise novel low-calorie fats

Scientists have developed novel low-calorie fats based on edible oils like sunflower that provide 5.2 K cals/g as against 9 K cals/g by the vegetable oils; they have shown promising health benefits in studies conducted in rats and rabbits. Ethyl behenic acid was incorporated into refined sunflower and soybean oils after about 25 per cent of fatty acids was removed. The fats have shown to lower serum, liver cholesterol and triglycerides in rats and reduce fat accumulation in arteries in rabbits. 

Source: Dr. R.B.N. Prasad, Head of Centre for Lipid Research, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad.