Oleic acid, classified as a monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), has been extensively studied by scientists over the last decades, consistently demonstrating many positive effects on human health.
The exceptional health benefits of extra virgin olive oil are partially attributed to its fatty acids, particularly oleic acid, which comprises 55 to 83 percent of the oil’s total composition.
Oleic acid, classified as a monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), has been extensively studied by scientists over the last decades, consistently demonstrating many positive effects on human health.
Role of monounsaturated fat in olive oil health benefits
Research has demonstrated that the monounsaturated fatty acids found in olive oil can significantly enhance heart and cardiovascular health, mainly by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels and reducing triglycerides.
Moreover, oleic acid is recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, further contributing to heart health.
Additionally, preliminary research suggests that oleic acid may reduce the risk of obesity by inducing a feeling of fullness, aiding in weight management.
Furthermore, several studies have indicated that regular consumption of moderate amounts of oleic acid may play a preventive role in dementia among older individuals.
Ongoing research also explores the potential of oleic acid to inhibit the growth of certain types of cancer by suppressing the expression of genes associated with the metastasis of cancerous cells.
What are MUFAs?
“Fatty acids are essential components of lipids, which are important molecules for the structure and function of cells,” Nuno Rodrigues, a researcher at the Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO) of the Polytechnic Institute in Bragança, in Portugal, told Olive Oil Times.
The word “fat” in this context does not refer to the fat content of the fatty acid but to its molecular structure.
“Fatty acids are an important source of energy for the body, being stored in adipose tissue, besides playing essential roles in the structure of cell membranes,” Rodrigues explained.
The different impacts of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids lie in their different interaction with human biology.
Unsaturated fatty acids contain a double bond, making them prone to interacting with other molecules.
On the other hand, saturated fatty acids (SFAs) contain a single bond only, which has consequences for how they are digested and absorbed.
Fatty acids’ chemical structures influence how they are metabolized and utilized by the body. More