The focus of this text will be cast on the monosaturated fatty acid called oleic acid. There are other fatty acids and the body synthesizes this one from the rest of the fatty acids. Several foods coming from plants and animals are used for getting this fatty acid also called omega-9 fatty acid. It is not an essential fatty acid since it is produced naturally by our body, but it has a source of fat considered healthy. Several body functions depend of oleic acid, such as blood pressure regulation, brain functions operation, development of the brain and cell membrane formation.
Sources
There are several possible sources of this fatty acid and of the greatest sources is olive oil. But there are other sources such as macadamia nuts, safflower, canola, sunflower oil, avocados, pistachios, hazelnuts, almonds, peanut oil, peanuts, grape seed oil and sesame seed oil.
Benefits
Next we move on to the benefits associated with the oleic acid. There are sources of unsaturated fats coming from the animals, but oleic acid is thought to be healthier than this. Animal unsaturated fats also have harmful cholesterol as well. Oleic acid is associated with many health benefits and we will see which in the following lines. One of the benefits is the reduction of fatal diseases called adrenoleukodystrophy. This disease affects the adrenal glands and nerve's myelin sheaths and causes symptoms similar to the ones that multiple sclerosis causes. As we have said, brain function operation will run smoothly due to the effect of the oleic acid. Memory will also be improved. The blood pressure can also be reduced and this is probably due to the olive oil properties and effect. The heart and cardiovascular health will be improved and it may help you in avoiding stroke, arthrosclerosis and other diseases. Lowering the blood cholesterol is another beneficial effect that will improve cardiovascular and heart health. The tolerance to glucose will reduce the resistance to insulin and this can happen due to oleic acid, which makes it great for those with diabetes.
The immune system will be stronger and aid the fight against the inflammations and infections. When we suffer a trauma, our body produces a hormone called prostaglandins and its production can be increased with the oleic acid. This causes labor inducement and relaxation during pregnancy, muscle contraction and inflammatory response increase. Oleic acid will make cell membrane strong, repair damaged tissue and cells, and keep the skin moist. It will also make the skin supple and soft, and due to the anti-inflammatory effect, it can decrease stiffness caused by conditions like arthritis, and joint pain. Oleic acid can reduce chances of developing cancer since it is an antioxidant, and minimize the cellular damage due to free radicals. As you can see, this fat is very beneficial on human organism, but do not consume it in greater quantities.
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