Tag: Fatty acid types

While many people focus on essential fats, the human body is capable of synthesizing most of the fatty acids it needs internally from other nutrients, and these are known as non-essential fatty acids. This ability means they are not required to be consumed through diet, though they play many vital roles.

Myristic acid, also known as tetradecanoic acid, is a 14-carbon saturated fatty acid naturally present in many animal and vegetable fats. It is a versatile compound found in sources like nutmeg, coconut oil, and butterfat, and is widely utilized in cosmetics, soaps, and even as a flavoring agent. This fatty acid plays distinct roles in both industrial applications and physiological processes within the body.