Omega 9 are monounsaturated fatty acids. Unlike omega-3 and omega-6, omega 9 fatty acids are not considered essential, as they can be synthesised in the body from unsaturated fat.
What is omega 9?
Omega-9 fatty acids are fatty acids stored in your body fat. Your body has a little omega-3, more omega-6 and lots of omega 9. Your fat cells make omega-9 fat from the fatty acids your body doesn’t consume as energy.
What are food sources of omega 9?
You find Omega-9 fatty acids in olive oil, almond oil, walnuts, animal fat, fish and avocado. As omega 9 fatty acids can be produced in the body, and since we consume enough through a regular diet, you don’t need additional supplements of these fatty acids.
Some food sources of omega-9 are:
sunflower oil
argan oil
peanut oil
soya oil
corn oil
hazelnuts
pistachios
almonds
sesame seeds
pine nuts
peanuts
chia seeds
olives
cucumber
acai
macadamia nuts
Why is omega 9 good for you?
Substituting saturated fats with oild and fats containing unsaturated fatty acids such as omega-9, omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids, helps to maintain a normal cholesterol level in your blood. As high cholesterol is a risk factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases, this is healthy eating for the health of your heart.
How to get enough omega-9
As your body produces the omega 9 fatty acids it needs and you consume enough through a regular diet, you don’t need additional supplements of omega-9.