## 3 Discussion
### Fatty Acids Methyl Esters (FAMEs)  
Our analysis identified oleic acid as the predominant fatty acid in marula oil, comprising approximately 73% of the total fatty acids. This is consistent with findings in 'virgin' olive oil, which is also high in oleic acid [21]. The high concentration of linoleic acid (about 8%) suggests that marula oil may also be beneficial for skin health, aligning with its traditional use in skincare. The present results are comparable with other reports. For example, the study of [22] reported similar FAMEs but in higher quantities. The work of [23] reported eleven FAMEs in comparison to the 16 that we reported. Some authors have reported different fatty acids from the current report except for palmitoleic acid [24]. This is probably because the authors' report is on the pulp and skin of the fruit. However, the report of [25] revealed about 30 fatty acids in the kernels, although their constituents were generally quantitatively smaller than that of our report. Fatty acids are long-chain hydrocarbons with a methyl group at one end and a carboxyl group at the other [26; 27]. They are classified into four categories: saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and trans fats. Over 20 types of fatty acids are found in foods sourced from fruits, vegetable oils, seeds, nuts, animal fats, and fish oils [26]. In _Sclerocarya birrea_ kernel oil, \(\alpha\)- linolenic and linoleic acid (polyunsaturated omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, respectively) and oleic acid (a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid) were identified. Essential fatty acids like omega 3 and 6 are crucial for cellular functions and must be obtained through diet, as the body cannot synthesise them [26]. In addition, these fatty acids have significant implications for health, offering benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties and cardiovascular health support. However, saturated fats have been associated with an increase in cardiovascular related risks [28]. In fact, the WHO [29] strongly recommends that adults and children reduce saturated fatty acid intake to 10% of total energy intake. It also strongly advises replacing saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats and conditionally recommends using monounsaturatedfats from plant sources or carbohydrates rich in natural dietary fibre such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and pulses. The present study shows that _S. berria_ kernel oils are rich in both polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. The saturated fats found in these kernels are significantly low and should not pose a concern for health. Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death globally, accounting for 41 million of 55 million deaths in 2019 [30]. Nearly half of these deaths were premature, occurring in individuals under 70, predominantly in low- and middle-income countries. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) led NCD mortality in 2019 caused over 18 million deaths [31]. Key modifiable risk factors for CVDs include unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and harmful alcohol consumption. High intake of dietary saturated fatty acids (SFA) and trans-fatty acids (TFA) significantly increases CVD risk [29]. SFAs, found mainly in animal products and some plant oils, contain only single carbon-carbon bonds. TFAs, with at least one trans double bond, can be industrially produced or naturally found in ruminant animal products. Reducing SFA intake, particularly when replaced by polyunsaturated fatty acids or whole grain carbohydrates, lowers coronary heart disease risk by improving blood lipid profiles, reducing total and LDL cholesterol levels [32]. This further underscores the potential dietary role of _S. berria_ and its capacity to lower NCD. The high oleic acid content enhances the nutritional value of marula oil, making it comparable to other healthy oils like olive oil. The stability of oleic acid and other fatty acids in these oils at high temperatures also makes them highly suitable for culinary use [33].