The seed lipids of the palm family

Abstract

Abstract The majority of palms, represented by Elaeis guineensis , contained mainly neutral lipids (triglycerides) in their seed fats with lauric and myristic acids as the major acids. In certain others, symbolized by the Raphia palms, polar lipids dominated, with the unsaturated acids, oleic and linoleic acids constituting the major fatty acids. Contrary to established belief, lauric and myristic acids were not the principal fatty acids in all palms.