Lipids are rich source of energy and constitute an important
part of our balanced diet. However, oxidation with atmospheric
oxygen and lipolysis are responsible for the rancidity of lipids
and lipid containing food products (Allen and Hamilton, 1983).
Lipid peroxidation causes a decrease in nutritional value, safety
and appearance of foods. It also initiates other undesirable changes
in food, affecting its nutritional quality, color, flavor and texture.
Auto-oxidation of polyunsaturated lipids involves a free radical
chain reaction, generally initiated by exposure to light, heat, metal
ions, etc. Therefore, the inhibition of free radical oxidation by
incorporating antioxidants is of great practical importance in
preserving lipids from deterioration.