Novel heart-healthy fat blends

About

Dietary fats are important for maintaining good health. Clinical studies have established a link between the types of fatty acids consumed in diets with the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterols found in the blood. HDL is considered to be the “good” cholesterol while LDL is often referred to as the “bad” cholesterol where higher levels of total serum cholesterol and LDL are associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular diseases (e.g. heart attacks or strokes). Most experts now agree ingestion of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) (e.g. myristic, lauric, palmitic, and stearic fatty acids) raises LDL and total cholesterol levels in the blood while ingestion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (e.g. linoleic acid) lowers those levels. Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) are more neutral in their effects. The current opportunity available for licensing is the use of a balanced blend of dietary SFAs (i.e. myristic acid and/or lauric acid; formed either naturally or by enzymatic and chemical interesterification) combined with linoleic acid (C18:2) at specific concentrations in commercial food preparations. Since our bodies cannot produce linoleic acid, this essential PUFA must be provided in healthy diets, or else some vital functions could be compromised (blood clotting, wound healing, and inflammation). Furthermore, our balanced blended fat mixtures containing linoleic acid at 10-35% promote healthy blood lipoprotein profiles via lowering LDL cholesterol, raising HDL cholesterol, and decreasing triglyceride levels. The edible blended fat compositions covered by our patent claims are palatable ingredients for use in human, domestic pet, and livestock food products and can be marketed to promote optimal health and reduce risks of cardiovascular disease when consumed consistently over a period of weeks.