Oleic acid

Oleic Acid

Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid that occurs naturally in various animal and vegetable fats and oils. It is an omega-9 fatty acid and is considered one of the healthier sources of fat in the diet.

Chemical Structure[edit | edit source]

Oleic acid has the chemical formula C18H34O2. It is an organic compound that consists of an 18-carbon chain with a carboxylic acid group at one end and a methyl group at the other end. The term "oleic" means related to, or derived from, oil or olive, the oil that is richest in the acid.

Sources of Oleic Acid[edit | edit source]

Oleic acid is found in various animal and vegetable sources. The highest concentrations of oleic acid are found in olive oil, with lesser amounts in grape seed oil, sesame oil, poppyseed oil and rapeseed oil. It is also present in high amounts in various nuts such as macadamia nuts and cashews.

Health Benefits[edit | edit source]

Oleic acid is known to have several health benefits. It is believed to help reduce blood pressure, increase fat burning to help with weight loss, protect cells from free radical damage, prevent type 2 diabetes, and reduce inflammation. It is also believed to help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Oleic acid Resources
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