Epidemiological studies suggested that dietary saturated fats play a signifi cant role in coronary heart disease (CHD). Diets high in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are benefi cial in CHD prevention (1). Studies performed in experimental animals revealed that diets rich in ALA, EPA, and DHA diminish atherosclerosis, reduce the tendency to arterial thrombosis; lower the ability of platelets to aggregate and decrease the incidence of cardiac arrhythmias. The mechanisms by which these diets produce these effects are not yet completely understood. But, it is believed that PUFAs are metabolized to form anti-infl ammatory eicosanoids such as prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), prostacyclin (PGI2), PGI3, lipoxins, resolvins, protectins and nitrolipids that have benefi cial actions on platelet function, endothelial cells, infl ammatory process and wound healing and thus, bring about their anti-atherosclerotic action. Some of their (PUFAs) actions also include increase in platelet, leukocyte, macrophage and endothelial cell membrane fl uidity. On the other hand, saturated ...