Everything you need to know about this little-known fatty acid

You've probably already heard of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, but have you ever heard of omega-7? This is not a typo… I'm talking to you about Omega 7.

These fats are a type of monounsaturated fatty acid found in some foods and nutritional supplements. Although these nutrients are often overlooked and are less well-known than other important fatty acids, they still offer significant health benefits, so much so that you may want to review your daily supplement routine to include them.

In this article, I invite you to learn about what Omega 7 is, and its health benefits revealed by recent studies.

What is omega 7?

Omega 7 is a group of fatty acids that includes three representatives: palmitoleic acid, uronic acid and transfenic acid. Omega-7 differs from other omega fatty acids because it contains a double bond at position 7 of the carbon chain.

They all play an important role in the body, but palmitoleic acid is the most interesting of the three. It is mainly found in sea buckthorn, macadamia oil and anchovy oil. Omega 7 is also found in breast milk as well as in plants such as guarana. We have all already consumed Omega 7 without even knowing it.

Unlike Omega-3, the body can create and manufacture Omega-7. Therefore, Omega-7 is often considered non-essential, but most of our diets do not contain enough of it, so supplements can be very beneficial to reap the health benefits of this hidden treasure.

chemical composition

Omega 7 is a monounsaturated fatty acid, which means it has a double bond in its carbon chain. It is a chain of fatty acids made up of 16 carbon atoms, with the double bond located in the seventh position from the omega end of the chain.

Omega 7 versus Omega 3 and Omega 6

Omega 7 is less well known than Omega 3 and 6, but it remains an important fatty acid for human health. Omega-3 and Omega-6 are essential fatty acids that the body cannot produce, while Omega-7 is a non-essential fatty acid, meaning the body can produce it.

What are the sources of Omega 7?

The main sources of omega 7 are sea buckthorn oil and macadamia oil. Omega-7 is also found in small amounts in fatty fish such as salmon and anchovies, but also in other plant sources such as olive oil and avocado oil.

Health benefits of omega 7

Like other unsaturated fatty acids, omega-7 has many health benefits. By including omega-7 fatty acids in your diet, you can enjoy the following benefits.

Metabolic health

Based on current scientific research on omega-7, palmitoleic acid appears to be particularly effective in combating metabolic syndrome.⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾. The latter is a group of health problems associated with a lack of metabolism. It combines various diseases, such as cardiovascular disorders, stroke, type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer (most notably colon cancer) and some others.

Omega-7 has the potential to treat some of the factors associated with metabolic syndrome, such as cholesterol imbalance, insulin resistance or high blood pressure.⁽³⁾.

Moreover, Omega 7 is also beneficial for people suffering from diabetes⁽⁴⁾. Studies have shown that consuming omega-7 fatty acids helps reduce blood glucose and triglyceride levels. Additionally, palmitoleic acid helps reduce insulin resistance⁽⁵⁾ And fat deposits in the liver, which is an important characteristic for people with this disease⁽⁶⁾.

Anti-inflammatory effect

Omega 7 are fatty acids that have important anti-inflammatory effects for our body.⁽⁷⁾. In fact, they can inactivate the protein responsible for cellular stress reactions and have a significant effect on C-reactive protein, a key blood marker of inflammation. Therefore, it is interesting to consume sources of palmitoleic acid to prevent and relieve inflammation.

In addition to its benefits in treating inflammation, Omega 7 is also very beneficial for maintaining healthy skin. It is particularly effective in treating skin problems such as eczema and acne, and promotes the healing of wounds and burns.

Lose weight

When it comes to the effects of omega-7 on weight, palmitoleic acid, one of the fatty acids found in omega-7, plays an important role in regulating energy metabolism. In fact, it acts as a signaling molecule that allows better communication between muscle and adipose tissue in the body, which contributes to better use of available energy.⁽⁸⁾. Omega 7 also has a positive effect on obesity, inflammation, and HDL cholesterol levels, and helps reduce blood glucose levels and insulin resistance.⁽⁹⁾. These effects are especially important for people with metabolic syndrome.

Today we know that Omega 7 increases the feeling of fullness⁽¹⁰⁾It works to reduce blood sugar levels and fat accumulation in the body. For this reason they have become ideal allies for athletes, but not only. People looking to lose body fat can also benefit. Omega 7 also appears to help you gain strength and endurance, thus improving physical performance.

Improves skin health

Omega 7 has been shown to improve skin health by promoting collagen production. Collagen is an essential protein for healthy skin, and increasing collagen production can help reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture.

In addition, it may be important in accelerating wound healing through an anti-inflammatory effect.⁽¹¹⁾Improving various skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, acne or psoriasis⁽¹²⁾.

What to remember

Omega 7 is just as important as other omega fatty acids. It plays an important role in the body. This fatty acid may help reduce inflammation, support heart health, and improve insulin sensitivity. Eating foods rich in omega-7 fatty acids helps you get more of this fatty acid. To benefit from it, increase your intake of avocado, macadamia, fatty fish and sea buckthorn oil. If you don't consume any of the major sources of omega-7, you can easily find supplements that contain them online.