OXIDATIVE STABILITY OF LINSEAM OIL: CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

Abstract

Polyphenols combat lipid oxidation through three primary pathways. Radical Scavenging (Hydrogen Donation). They donate a hydrogen atom to lipid radicals, converting them into stable non-radical forms and breaking the oxidation chain reaction. Some polyphenols can deactivate singlet oxygen, which is particularly vital for preventing photo-oxidation in oils exposed to light. Most potent polyphenols are naturally water-soluble (hydrophilic) and do not dissolve easily in 100% fat systems. Lipophilization (attaching a fatty acid chain to the polyphenol) or the use of phospholipid-based emulsifiers to carry the extract into the oil. Current research focuses on synergistic blends—for example, combining rosemary extract with ascorbyl palmitate (fat-soluble Vitamin C) to create a "multi-barrier" defense system that protects the oil at different stages of the oxidation process.