- Written By: Felicia Dye
- Edited By: Heather Bailey
-
Copyright Protected:
2003-2012 Conjecture Corporation
People tend to think negatively of fat. However, the body is reliant on certain types of fats. Omega-9, sometimes called oleic acid, refers to a family of fatty acids that a person needs to maintain good health. This group of fatty acids is believed to play a role in disease prevention and the proper functioning of other necessary fats.
Fatty acids are chemicals that are needed if the bodily systems and organs are to function properly. To understand oleic acid, however, a person should recognize that there are other fatty acids that the body also needs, such as Omega-3 and Omega-6. Although Omega-3, 6 and 9 are commonly grouped together, there is a noteworthy difference.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 are essential fatty acids. They are considered essential because the body needs them but cannot produce them under any circumstances. Instead, they must be obtained either through a person’s diet or through supplements. Omega-9, however, is not truly an essential fatty acid. The reason is because a limited amount of this fatty acid is produced by the body, but this production is only possible when the other omega fats are present in the body.
Oleic acid is believed to play an important role in reducing the likelihood of certain conditions such as cardiovascular disease and stroke. It is also believed that this fatty acid aids in lowering cholesterol and improving the immune system. If there is a deficiency of Omega-9, a person may experience a number of side effects, including skin eruptions, hair loss, and painful joints. Reproduction may also be affected by causing male sterility or causing a woman to miscarry.
It is commonly held that Omega-3 and Omega-6 produce more benefits than Omega-9. It is also believed, however, that these fatty acids cannot function to their full potential without Omega-9. In many instances, the limited amount of oleic acid that is produced by the body is not sufficient for a person’s health needs. Most people, therefore, need to consume some Omega-9.
One of the best food sources from which a person can obtain oleic acid is olive oil. It is also found in other vegetable and animal fats such as sesame oil and chia seed oil. Other foods that contain oleic acid include avocados, macadamia nuts, and pecans. A person can also obtain the necessary amounts of Omega-9 from supplements. There are no widely recognized side effects for taking such supplements.
Related Videos
Discuss this Article
|
aLFredo
Post 5 |
@tolleranza - You are in luck if you would like to add more Omega 6 to your diet. Omega 6 can be found in a lot of foods and oils, and ones you might happily add to your diet such as... peanut butter!
Other foods include - pork, vegetable oil, sunflowers, frozen pizza, flax seed, and hushpuppies and lots more.
I'm with you - this article was dietarily enlightening - I did not know Omega 9's existed. And it was especially important because it seems it could be an easy nutrient to miss. |
|
tolleranza
Post 4 |
@bluespirit - I had never heard the rule about olive oil at room temperature either. But if you are looking for another source of omega 9 - you will have to stick to the other suggested sources in the article (certain nuts, sesame oil, avocados, and supplements).
Did you know that there are Omega 6 fats as well that are essential? This article was an eye opener.
From what foods do we get Omega 6 fats? |
|
bluespirit
Post 3 |
@sunshine31 - I had never heard that you had to eat olive oil at room temperature to get most of the benefits. My husband and I make it a point to cook with extra virgin olive oil (or EVOO as Rachel Ray calls it).
I probably get some EVOO in my salad dressings but I will have to start paying attention!
I had heard of Omega 3 but never have I read in any of the health magazines I read about Omega 9's.
What are some other sources of Omega 9? |
|
stolaf23
Post 2 |
People worry a lot about whether or not vegetarians get enough Omega 9, but really it isn't so hard. The foods with good fats also have many other helpful nutrients, and are delicious to cook and eat. Supplements also help, of course, but it's really possible to get enough Omega 9 and other Omega acids without a supplement. |
|
sunshine31
Post 1 |
I will have to ask my doctor about Omega 9 supplements. I take Omega 3 fish oil pills daily because my cholesterol was a little high when I went to the doctor.
I had a reading of 214 and I should really have it under 200. My kids take Omega 3 supplements also, but they take these gummy supplements that taste more like candy.
I also heard that olive oil is good for the heart, but I didn’t know that it was a source of Omega 9. I read that in order to get the full benefits of olive oil, you really have to ingest it at room temperature. If you cook with it you will lose most of the benefits. I usually pour some on my salad and use it that way.
|
