The avocado oil and pumpkin seed oil as a source of fatty acids

Abstract

Avocado and pumpkin seed oils have different origin and methods of production and are characterized by similar content. The purpose of the study is the comparison of the fatty acids composition in order to evaluate their advantages and disadvantages as well as beneficial qualities of their usage as biologically active additives and a cosmetic ingredient. The oils are characterized by a high content of fatty acids of various types, both saturated and unsaturated. In the article the overview of information about avocado and pumpkin origin and production based on literary sources is included; the composition of avocado and pumpkin oils is described. The chromatographic method of analysis allows to evaluate the quantitative ratios of the components. The content of stearic, palmitic, and myristic (fatty) acids was determined to be two times higher in pumpkin seed oil compared to avocado oil, it means the advantages of avocado oil as a low-calorie product. The analysis revealed especially high content of the essential unsaturated fatty acids: in pumpkin seed oil it is 80%, in avocado oil - 87%. Therefore, these oils show the expediency of using as a therapeutic agent for external and internal use particularly to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.