NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF COLD-PRESSED SUNFLOWER OIL

Abstract

The aims of this study were to investigate nutritional value of coldpressed sunflower oil produced in the Republic of Serbia. Composition of fatty acids was determinated and, based on individual fatty acid content, nutritional indices are calculated. Tocopherol composition and total content of carotenoids and chlorophylls were investigated as well. The results indicate that examined oil is rich in essential linoleic acid and with excellent values of nutritional indices. Unfavorable n-6/n-3 ratio is caused by low n-3 fatty acids content which is characteristic for sunflower oil. Total tocopherol content was unexpected low while content of pigments was characteristic for this type of oil