Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Are Very Susceptible to Oxidation Causing Rancidity
                                
                                
                                •
                                
                                
                        
                                    
                                    4 min read                                
                            
                                According to food science, the chemical structure of a fatty acid dictates its susceptibility to deterioration. Specifically, polyunsaturated fatty acids are very susceptible to oxidation causing rancidity, a process responsible for the off-flavors and odors in many foods. This is a crucial concept for understanding why certain oils and foods have shorter shelf lives.