Omega-9 Fatty Acids

Q: What are omega-9 fatty acids?

A: You have probably heard of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, but what about omega-9? Their lack of mention in nutrition news does not reflect their importance in our bodies but rather the ease that our bodies have in obtaining them.

Unlike omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that need to be obtained through diet, omega-9 fatty acids are considered non-essential fatty acids because our body can synthesize them from other foods. Additionally, there is no need for oral supplementation.

Unlike omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that are polyunsaturated, Omega-9 fatty acids are monounsaturated fatty acids, meaning they have just one double bond. The most common omega-9 fatty acid is called oleic acid and it can be found in vegetable, seed and nut oils like olive oil, canola oil, avocado oil, peanut oil, and sunflower oil. Monounsaturated fatty acids have been shown to lower risk of heart attack and stroke by lowering LDL cholesterol and raising HDL cholesterol. Monounsaturated fatty acids may also help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation.

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