Omega-9 fatty acids: description, properties, sources

Omega-9 acid belongs to the triglycerides of the monounsaturated group, which are part of the structure of any human cell. With their help, neurons are created, hormonal synthesis, the production of its own vitamins, etc. Top sources include sunflower seeds, fish oil, nut kernels and oils.

General information

Omega-9 acid lipids perform essential functions. For example, structural, plastic, antihypertensive and anti-inflammatory. This compound is conditionally nonessential, since it can be a derivative of unsaturated fats.

The main omega-9 acids are:

1. Oleinova. In the human body, it is a kind of reserve fat. In this regard, the body is relieved of the need to use its own funds to restructure the lipid composition of the food consumed. Another function is the formation of cell membranes. In the case of substitution of triglyceride by other compounds of the monounsaturated group, cell permeability drops sharply. Moreover, its lipids slow down the process of fat peroxidation in human depots and are an energy supplier. Oleic acid is present in vegetable and animal fats (meat, fish). Compared to omega-6 and 3, it shows a reduced oxidation state. Therefore, it is ideal for frying and oiling food for long-term storage;
2. Erukova. The maximum percentage is in rapeseed, mustard, broccoli and common rape. It is mainly used for industrial purposes. This is due to the inability of mammals to fully utilize it. Erucic acid is used in soap making, tanning, etc. For internal consumption, oils with a 5% content of this substance from the total fat are shown. If the daily dosage is regularly exceeded, negative consequences are possible. Among them - inhibition of puberty, muscle infiltration, liver and heart dysfunction;
3. Gondoinova. The main field of application of these triglycerides is cosmetology. Used to enhance skin regeneration, protect against UV rays, deep hydration, strengthen hair, maintain cell membrane permeability. Sources of acid are rapeseed, jojoba and other organic oils;
4. Medova. These fats are the final metabolites of the human body;
5. Elaidinic (oleic derivative). Lipids of this substance are very rare for the plant world. A small percentage is present in milk (no more than 0.1% of other acids in the composition);
6. Nervonova. The second name of this triglyceride is selachoic acid. It is present in the cerebral sphingolipids, takes part in the synthesis of neural membranes and the restoration of axons. Sources of triglyceride - salmon (chinook salmon, salmon), flax seed, yellow mustard, macadamia kernels. For medical purposes, selachoic acid is used to eliminate disorders of the brain function (multiple sclerosis, sphingolipidosis). And also in the treatment of stroke complications.

The benefits of omega-9

Full functioning of the endocrine, digestive and other body systems without omega-9 is excluded.

The benefits are as follows:

• reducing the risk of diabetes, stabilizing blood sugar;
• relief of the formation of cholesterol plaques and blood clots;
• increased immunity;
• maintaining the protective properties of the skin;
• inhibition of the development of oncology (in tandem with omega-3);
• regulation of metabolism;
• activation of the production of its own vitamins, hormone-like substances and neurotransmitters;
• improved membrane permeability;
• protection of the mucous membranes of internal organs from destructive influences;
• maintaining the moisture level in the skin;
• participation in the formation of neural membranes;
• decrease in irritability, relief of depressive states;
• increasing the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels;
• the supply of energy to the human body;
• regulation of muscle activity, maintenance of tone.

The benefits of omega-9 are undeniable, as evidenced by its wide range of medical uses. Triglycerides of this group help fight diabetes and anorexia, skin and joint problems, heart, lungs, etc. The list of indications is long, research is ongoing.

Required daily dosage

The human body needs omega-9 all the time. The volume of triglyceride should be in the order of 13-20% of the daily calories of the incoming food. However, it may vary depending on the current state, age, place of residence.

An increase in the norm is shown in the following cases:

• the presence of inflammations of various etiologies;
• treatment of chronic cardiovascular diseases (influencing factor - stopping the increase in cholesterol deposits);
• increased loads (sports, hard physical work).

A decrease in the need for omega-9 is typical for such cases:

• increased consumption of essential phospholipids (omega-6,3). This is due to the ability of oleic acid to be synthesized from the above substances;
• low blood pressure;
• pregnancy;
• GW;
• pathology and depression of pancreatic function.

Lack and oversaturation of omega-9 fats

It is known that the described triglyceride is synthesized in the body. Therefore, the deficit is very rare. Known causes of the latter include fasting, mono (protein) diets and weight loss programs by eliminating fat.

A lack of omega-9 can lead to the following:

• drop in immunity, infection with viruses and infections as a result of low body resistance;
• the development of pathologies of joints and bone tissue;
• disorders of the digestive tract;
• decreased attention, depression, irritability;
• relapses of chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system, fatigue and weakness;
• decrease in the quality of the hairline (loss, dullness, etc.);
• increased blood pressure;
• increased dryness of the skin and mucous membranes, cracks;
• violation of the vaginal microflora, reproductive dysfunction;
• permanent thirst, etc.

Inattention to one's condition and lack of timely therapy leads to heart disorders. However, oversaturation with fatty acids is also dangerous.

Overdose results:

• obesity (due to lipid metabolism disorders);
• exacerbation of pancreatic diseases (violation of enzyme synthesis);
• thickening of the blood (risk of strokes, thrombosis, heart attack);
• liver pathology (cirrhosis, hepatitis).

It should be remembered that an excess of omega-9 leads to problems with the female reproductive system. The result is infertility, difficulty in conceiving. In pregnant women, fetal developmental pathologies. In nursing - lactation disorders.

The solution to the problem is to adjust the diet. As an emergency measure - taking medications with oleic acid.

Selection of food and storage

Omega acids are highly resistant to oxidation. However, products with their content require special storage rules.

Recommendations:

1. it is advisable to purchase vegetable oils in dark glass containers;
2. food products must be stored in cool, protected from sunlight, places;
3. purchase unrefined oils labeled "extravirgin". They contain the maximum concentration of lipids;
4. food from healthy products should be cooked on low heat, strong overheating is unacceptable;
5. unrefined oils after opening the package cannot be stored for more than six months;
6. it is undesirable to cool olive oil to a temperature below 7 ° C. After passing this threshold, it crystallizes.

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Sources of Omega-9

Unrefined vegetable oils are recognized as the undisputed leaders in omega-9 content. In addition to them, invaluable fats are also found in other foods.

Additionally, omega-9s are found in nuts and seeds.

The use of omega-9 in the field of cosmetology

Fatty lipids are an essential component of human skin. They help to maintain the elasticity of the integument and reduce wrinkles, increase the protective and antioxidant properties. The most valuable in this context is oleic acid. It is added to lipsticks, anti-aging care products, hair curlers, creams, and mild soaps.

Omega-9 triglycerides exhibit the following properties:

• activation of the processes of skin regeneration and collagen production;
• increased turgor;
• alignment of microrelief;
• elimination of irritation, itching, etc.;
• activation of metabolism;
• maintaining an optimal level of skin hydration;
• strengthening the walls of the capillaries;
• restoration of the acid mantle of the skin;
• providing antioxidant resistance of fats;
• softening sebum plugs, reducing pore clogging;
• increasing the level of local skin immunity;
• normalization of metabolism, combating the manifestations of cellulite;
• increasing the skin's permeability to substances present in oils.

Brief summary

Omega-9 lipids are almost universal. They help preserve cell membranes and create neural membranes. They stabilize metabolic processes, stimulate the production of hormones.

Without omega-9, the coordinated activity of the organs of the cardiovascular system, central nervous system, glands and gastrointestinal tract is unthinkable. The main sources of the invaluable substance are vegetable oils, edible seeds, fish and nut kernels.

Correct metabolism ensures the synthesis of triglyceride directly in the intestine. Violations lead to lipid deficiency. To prevent it, you can include in the daily diet of olive oil labeled "extravirgin" (10 ml / day). In addition - sesame seeds, flaxseeds or walnuts (100 g).

Watch the video: OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS - Benefits u0026 How Much Should You Take Per Day. TAMIL (May 2025).