Nutritional Information
Unsaponifiable matter
Rosita Ratfish Liver Oil™ contains a high proportion of unsaponifiable matter. Unsaponifiable matter is the fatty material present in oil which cannot be converted into soap by the use of an alkali. Substances forming unsaponifiable matter may have antioxidant and other health supporting benefits in animals and in human subjects, and when applied topically may also be useful in softening the skin.
The unsaponifiable component of Rosita Ratfish Liver Oil™ contains glycerol ethers (alkylglycerols), α-tocopherol (vitamin E), hydrocarbons, and sterols (cholesterol and non-cholesterol sterols). The non-cholesterol sterol content of the unsaponifiable material includes 24-methylene cholesterol, and phytosterols (campesterol, stigmasterol, and ∆5-avenasterol). However, the most abundant phytosterol is campesterol.
Campesterol, stigmasterol, and ∆5-avenasterol are widespread phytosterols in plant foods, including many fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, cereals, legumes and vegetable oils. Phytosterols are an important structural component of plant cell membranes, a role that, in mammalian cells, is played by cholesterol. As a result, they play an important role in preserving plant cell structure, and help to regulate membrane fluidity and permeability.
Research suggests that phytosterols have physiologically important roles, and may help to maintain total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol within the normal range, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, support the healthy functioning of the immune system, and ameliorate inflammation. Further support for the health-supporting benefits of phytosterols comes from epidemiological studies, which suggest that the phytosterol content of the diet is associated with a reduction in the risk of numerous diseases.
