Question

Which of the following is not a good source of n-3 fatty acid?
A. Mustard Oil
B. Fish Oil
C. Sunflower Oil
D. Olive Oil
E. Groundnut Oil
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, B and C only
• B. B, C and D only
• C. C, D and E only
• D. A, C and E only

Hint:

Fatty fish (Salmon, Mackerel) and Flaxseeds/Walnuts/Mustard Oil are your go-to sources for Omega-3.
Most common refined vegetable oils like Sunflower, Safflower, and Groundnut are rich in Omega-6, not Omega-3.
Remember that Olive oil is the king of MUFA (Omega-9), not PUFA.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
n-3 fatty acids, commonly known as Omega-3 fatty acids, are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) essential for human health.
They are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and benefits for heart and brain health.
The main types are ALA (Alpha-linolenic acid), EPA, and DHA.
The question asks to identify which oils are not good sources of these specific fats.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• Identifying Good Sources:
1. Fish Oil (B): This is the most potent source of n-3 fatty acids, specifically providing EPA and DHA directly.
2. Mustard Oil (A): In the context of Indian diets, mustard oil is considered a relatively good plant source of n-3 fatty acids because it contains a significant amount of Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), with a favorable n-6 to n-3 ratio.

• Identifying Poor Sources:
3. Sunflower Oil (C): This oil is extremely high in n-6 fatty acids (Linoleic acid) and contains negligible amounts of n-3. High intake of sunflower oil can actually disrupt the healthy n-6:n-3 balance.
4. Olive Oil (D): While very healthy, olive oil is primarily composed of Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA), specifically Oleic acid. It contains very low levels of n-3 fatty acids.
5. Groundnut Oil (E): Similar to sunflower oil, it is rich in MUFA and n-6 PUFA but contains almost no n-3 fatty acids.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Sunflower, Olive, and Groundnut oils do not provide significant amounts of Omega-3 fats.
Therefore, C, D, and E are the correct choices for "not a good source."