Saturation index
nutritional
Abbreviations
- SI
- IS
Synonyms
- Index of saturation
Description
Represents the saturation index, which evaluates the relationship between specific saturated fatty acids (myristic , palmitic , and stearic ) and the sum of unsaturated fatty acids.
From a nutritional point of view, the SI value should be as low as possible. This index serves as a straightforward indicator of the overall saturation level of the lipids in a food product. A lower SI value suggests better nutritional properties and higher lipid quality, as it reflects a higher proportion of beneficial unsaturated fatty acids relative to saturated ones. Diets with a lower saturation index are generally recommended to maintain cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of related diseases.