On Sun, 6 Jan 2002, Adrienne Smith wrote:

> If polyunsaturated fats are by far more prone to oxidation, why wouldn't one
> want the majority of one's fat to be saturated with some supplementation of
> omega 3s?

MUFA is about as good as SFA, as far as resisting oxidation is
concerned.  And it may be less problematic for insulin
resistance.

> I am interested in this because I am noticing  the development of
> what look like"age spots" on my skin.  (Dermatologist says it's from sun
> exposure.) Isn't this the result of oxidized fatty acids in my skin?  Any
> thoughts on minimizing this problem?

That's one theory.  I don't know if it has been substantiated.  I
do think that higher PUFA intake increases the need for
antioxidants, but there is some recent research suggesting that
protein itself fights oxidative stress.  See
http://www.rhealiving.com/other_articles_links/High_protein_diet_increases_antioxidants.htm
It's an animal study, but still suggestive, and also in support
of Cordain's higher-protein approach.

Todd Moody
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