Omega-7s, unknown and beneficial fatty acids

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, among which are essential fatty acids, are the best known and most researched, but omega-7 fatty acids are also They perform important functions in the body. For example, they help regulate blood cholesterol levels.

What are omega-7s?

Omega-7s are not essential fatty acids, meaning the body can synthesize them on its own, so you don’t need to get them from food. They belong to the group of monounsaturated fatty acids. as the also beneficial and non-essential oleic acid of olive oil.

Two fatty acids make up this small group, palmitoleic acid and vaccenic acid. The latter is only found in foods of animal origin, especially in cow’s milk. It is also found in human breast milk.

Palmitoleic acid is found in animal fats and also in nuts and seeds. Macadamia nuts stand out for their omega-7 content.

What are omega-7s important for?

palmitoleic acid behaves similar to a hormone, which is released from adipose tissue and interacts with other organs. But unlike what happens with omega-3 and omega-6, scientists have not yet been able to determine no causal relationship between a deficiency of omega-7 in the body and any health problem.

However, researchers have been able to show that palmitoleic acid is involved in metabolic regulation and has a positive effect on insulin sensitivity and the formation of enzymes and cytokines in animals.

Therefore, omega-7 palmitotheic acid could participate in the prevention of obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

In addition, eating or consuming foods that contain omega 7 can help you feel full longer because They interact directly with satiety hormones.

In 2013, Asian scientists discovered that rats consumed less food after palmitoleic acid administration, because it increased the release of the satiety hormone, cholecystokinin (CCK).

In 2014, researchers from the Clemson University Department of Veterinary Medicine (South Carolina, USA) discovered that Omega 7 fatty acids can help normalize blood lipid levels and stimulate fat burning.

Foods rich in omega 7

Although the body is capable of producing enough omega 7 on its own, there are some foods that prove to be excellent sources.

Macadamia nuts stand out with 36% palmitoleic acid among their fats, almost 6 times more than the average for nuts.

Another food rich in omega 7 is the sea ​​buckthorn. In addition, sea buckthorn has properties antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, as well as protective for cells and the liver.

The avocados They are also rich in palmitoleic acid, although they contain more oleic acid.

How omega 7 can help you lose weight

In 2008, researchers at Harvard University discovered that omega 7 fatty acids are involved in certain metabolic processes. Palmitoleic acid was identified as the first fatty acid that appears to have a hormonal function.

According to results of previous studies, this omega 7 fatty acid acts on physiological processes in the liver and muscle cells.

In the liver it ensures less fat cell storage This property could be effective in weight loss. In addition, Harvard researchers found that palmitoleic acid increases insulin sensitivity and prevents insulin overproduction. A sufficient intake of omega 7 fatty acids could prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.

However, to lose weight it would be absurd to consume large amounts of avocados and macadamia nuts. Both are very high in fat and calories, despite being high-quality fats.

But it makes sense to prefer avocado to a margarine for breakfast with toast or snacks with macadamias instead of an industrial pastry product.

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