What's the Deal With Omega-9s?

FitSugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:30:00 PDT

I have waxed poetic on the benefits of omega-3s, the fat you should love that is found in cold water fish and flaxseeds. I have even mentioned omega-6s, which can be found in eggs, nuts, chicken, and vegetable oils. There is another omega fat, and that would be the omega-9s. These monounsaturated fats aren't technically considered an essential fatty acid because our smart bodies can manufacture a limited amount of omega-9s from the unsaturated fat in our bodies. Even though omega-9s aren't essential, they're still beneficial in promoting good overall health. Olive oil is a great source of omega-9s because it's high in oleic acid, but other sources include Canola, peanut, safflower, and sunflower oils. Avocados, peanut butter, a variety of nuts, and seeds are also good sources of omega-9s. These fats are important because they've been found to lower cholesterol, improve immune function, and reduce inflammation.

Another thing that's neat about these fats is this: if your diet is lacking in omega-3s or 6s, your body can use omega-9s as a substitute. As cool as that is, 9s aren't a perfect replacement for 3s and 6s because the body will eventually suffer from this over time, so be sure to get the right balance of omega-3s and 6s. A healthy ratio is one omega-3 to four omega-6s.