Omega-9

Omega-9 acids are a group of monounsaturated triglycerides that enter the structure of every cell in the human body. These fats are involved in the construction of myelin neurons, regulate the exchange of essential compounds, activate the synthesis of hormones, neurotransmitters and vitamin-like substances.

The main sources of monounsaturated fats are olive, almond and peanut oils, fish oil, nuts, seeds.

Let us consider in detail what omega-9 triglycerides are, where they are contained, their main functions.

Overview

In the human body, omega-9 lipids perform energetic, plastic, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive and structural functions. These substances belong to the group of conditionally interchangeable compounds, since they are able to be synthesized from unsaturated fats.

The main representatives of omega-9:

1. Oleic (cis-9-octadecenoic) acid. Its content is closest to human reserve fat. Due to this, the body does not waste resources on the rearrangement of the fatty acid composition of the lipid supplied with food. Oleic acid is involved in the construction of cell membranes. When replacing triglyceride with other monounsaturated compounds, a sharp deterioration in the permeability of biological membranes occurs. In addition, cis-9-octadecene lipids slow down the oxidation of deposited fats and serve as a source of energy.

Oleic acid is obtained from vegetable oils (olive, peanut, sunflower) and animal fats (beef, pork, cod). Unlike omega-3,6 acids, omega-9 is less oxidized, which serves as the basis for the use of lipid for filling canned food, frying foods.

2. Erucic acid. The leaders in the content of the compound are rape, colza, broccoli, mustard. Erucic acid is used mainly for industrial purposes, since the mammalian enzymatic system is not adapted for its processing. So, rapeseed oil is used in the leather, textile, soap, paint and varnish industries. Oils that contain no more than 5% erucic acid of the total amount of fat per product are acceptable for oral intake.

Exceeding a safe daily allowance can be harmful to health: slow down the onset of reproductive maturity, lead to changes in skeletal muscles, disrupt the full functioning of the heart and liver.

3. Gondoic (eicosenoic) acid. Triglycerides are used in cosmetic practice to enhance regeneration and protect the dermis from ultraviolet rays, deep moisturizing, strengthen hair follicles, and maintain cell membranes.

Natural sources – organic oils: jojoba, camelina, mustard, rapeseed.

4. Acidic acid. These fats are the final metabolic products of the human body.
5. Elaidic acid. The compound is a transisomer of oleic acid. Elaidin lipids are rare in the plant world. However, in small quantities they are found in cow and goat milk (0,1% of the total volume of triglycerides).
6. Nervonic (selacholic) acid. It is part of the sphingolipids of the brain, participates in the synthesis of myelin sheaths of neurons, restores nerve fibers. The main representatives of nervous acid are chinook salmon (Pacific salmon), yellow mustard fruits, flaxseeds, sockeye salmon (ray-finned salmon), sesame seeds, macadamia nuts. The compounds are used in medicine to eliminate disorders associated with demyelination of neuronal membranes (with multiple sclerosis, adrenoleukodystrophy) and to treat post-stroke complications (numbness of the extremities, hemiplegia, glossolalia).

Among monounsaturated fats, oleic acid is the most beneficial for the human body.

Useful Properties

Without omega-9 fats, the full functioning of the immune, cardiovascular, endocrine, nervous and digestive systems is impossible.

Why is it good to use them?

1. Stabilize blood glucose, reducing the risk of diabetes.
2. Stop the growth of cholesterol deposits in blood vessels, preventing the occurrence of thrombosis, atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke.
3. Increase immune defense.
4. Support the barrier function of the skin.
5. Slow down the division of malignant cells (together with omega-3).
6. Regulate lipid, carbohydrate and protein metabolism.
7. Activate the synthesis of vitamins, neurotransmitters and hormone-like compounds.
8. Increase the permeability of cell membranes for the entry of substances.
9. Protect the mucous membranes of organs from destruction.
10. They retain moisture in the epidermis.
11. Participate in the construction of myelin sheaths of neurons.
12. Reduce nervous irritability, prevent the development of depression.
13. Increase the elasticity of blood vessels.
14. Supply the body with energy (due to the breakdown of lipid structures).
15. They maintain muscle tone, regulate the work of muscles.

Given the wide range of useful properties, omega-9 triglycerides are used to treat and prevent anorexia, diabetes, osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, constipation, ophthalmic pathologies, acne, eczema, arthritis, arthrosis, malignant neoplasms, depression, premenstrual syndrome, tuberculosis, strokes, heart attacks, obesity, ulcers of various etiologies, consequences of alcoholism.

Daily need

The body’s need for omega-9 varies between 13-20% of the total daily caloric intake. Depending on age, state of health and place of residence, this figure may vary.

The daily norm of omega-9 is increased in the following cases:

• if there are inflammatory processes in the body (regardless of location);
• in the treatment of chronic diseases of blood vessels and heart (due to stopping the growth of cholesterol deposits);
• during physical exertion (intense sports, hard work).

The need for omega-9 fats decreases with:

• the use of large portions of essential lipids omega-3 and omega-6 (since oleic acid can be synthesized from these substances);
• pregnancy;
• breastfeeding;
• pancreatic dysfunctions.

Deficiency and excess

Given that omega-9 is partially synthesized in the body, a deficiency of these compounds is a rare occurrence. The most common causes of fatty acid deficiency are prolonged fasting and adherence to “lipid-free” weight loss programs.

The consequences of the lack of omega-9:

• weakened immunity, and as a result, a predisposition to bacterial and viral infections;
• the occurrence of arthritis, arthrosis, articular pathologies;
• deterioration of the digestive tract (prolonged constipation, bloating, flatulence);
• reduced concentration;
• depressed mood, emotional instability;
• exacerbation of chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
• weakness, fatigue;
• deterioration in the appearance of hair (intense loss, loss of shine, brittleness);
• increased blood pressure;
• excessive dryness of the skin and mucous membranes;
• constant thirst;
• the occurrence of cracks in the mucous membranes of organs;
• changes in the internal microflora of the vagina;
• reproductive dysfunction.

If the deficiency of monounsaturated fats is not corrected for a long time, angina pectoris may develop.

An excess of oleic acid is just as unsafe for health as a deficiency. Signs of an omega-9 overdose:

• an increase in body weight (as a result of a violation of lipid metabolism);
• exacerbation of pancreatic pathologies (impaired synthesis of enzymes, metabolic syndrome);
• blood thickening, which leads to a heart attack, stroke, thrombosis;
• liver disease (cirrhosis, hepatosis).

In addition, an excess of conditionally interchangeable fats, especially erucic acid, negatively affects a woman’s reproductive function: difficulties with conception arise, proper ontogenesis of the fetus (during pregnancy) is impaired, lactation (during breast-feeding) is difficult.

To eliminate the consequences of a deficiency or excess of fats, dietary adjustments are made. If necessary, the daily menu is enriched with pharmacological agents containing oleic acid.

Selection and storage of foods containing healthy fats

Despite the fact that monounsaturated omega acids are chemically resistant to oxidation, it is important to adhere to certain rules to maintain their beneficial properties.

Tips:

1. When choosing vegetable oils, give preference to products packaged in dark glass containers.
2. Store products with omega-9 in a cool place, protected from direct sunlight.
3. The maximum amount of useful lipids is present in unrefined extra virgin oils.
4. To preserve fatty acids, do not expose omega-containing foods to prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Cook food over low heat.
5. The shelf life of vegetable oils is 6 months from the date of opening.

Remember, high-quality olive oil crystallizes at temperatures below 7 degrees.

Food sources

Omega-9 triglyceride leaders are unrefined vegetable oils.

In addition, omega-9 acids are present in almost all nuts and seeds.

Monounsaturated fats in cosmetology

Omega-9 lipids, in particular oleic acid, are the most important structural components of the skin. Under the influence of these fats, it acquires elasticity, the number of fine wrinkles is reduced, and antioxidant and barrier properties are increased.

Manufacturers include oleic acid in lipsticks, care products for problematic and aging skin, hair perms, hydrophilic oils, healing emulsions, nail cuticle creams, mild soaps.

Properties of omega-9 triglycerides:

• accelerate the regeneration of the skin;
• potentiate the production of your own collagen;
• increase skin turgor;
• level the microrelief;
• eliminate itching, irritation, redness;
• accelerate metabolic processes;
• retain moisture;
• strengthen the walls of blood vessels;
• restore the protective mantle;
• provide the stability of deposited fats to oxidation (with a small amount of antioxidants);
• liquefy sebaceous plugs, including black comedones;
• strengthen local immunity;
• normalize lipid metabolism in the skin.

In addition, fatty acids accelerate the penetration of beneficial substances contained in the oil into the deeper layers of the dermis.

Cosmetics with omega-9:

1. Lip balm (Doliva). Hygienic stick consists of natural oils (olive, castor, peppermint) and vitamin E. Doliva Balm is used to soften dry, weathered and flaky skin of the lips.
2. Organic hair mask with omega-9 (Rahua). The composition of the healing concentrate includes vegetable oils (sunflower, ungurahua, shea, rapeseed, eucalyptus, lavender), quinoa, glycine. With regular use, the mask restores dull damaged hair, strengthens hair follicles, normalizes the water-lipid balance of the scalp.
3. Face mask with olive oil “Paradise pleasure” (Avon, Planet SPA). The tool is used to refresh, moisturize and tone the delicate skin of the face. The active components of the mask are olive oil, sunflower oil, vitamin E, beta-carotene, olive leaf extract.
4. Revitalizing lipid cream (Lokobeyz Ripea). The composition is intended for the care of weakened, overdried and atopic facial skin. The drug contains oleic and palmitic acids, ceramides, cholesterol (fatty alcohol), glycerin, liquid paraffin.
5. Body Lotion with Olive Oil and Vitamin E (Palmer’s). Lipid emulsion cares for dehydrated skin, eliminates itching, dryness and peeling. Olive concentrate is ideal for lubricating heels, elbows and knees.
6. Night restoring cream (Mirra). A multifunctional organic skin care product for night rest. The drug activates the natural mechanisms of regeneration of the dermis, smoothes the structural irregularities of the skin, stimulates the synthesis of its own collagen.

The night cream contains fatty alcohols, lecithin, vegetable oils (olive, sesame, cocoa), flax seed polysaccharides, amino acid complex (glutamic acid, glycine, serine, alanine, lysine, threonine, proline, arginine, betaine), linden extract, D panthenol, vitamins F, C, E, mineral essence (lactates of zinc, sodium, iron, calcium, magnesium chloride, potassium, colloidal sulfur, copper derivatives of chlorophyll, potassium hydrogen phosphate).

7. Cleansing Foam (Doliva). Cleansing mousse based on vegetable oils: olive, jojoba, castor. Foam is suitable for dry, atopic and sensitive skin. The product moisturizes, soothes and fortifies the stratum corneum of the dermis.

In addition, omega-9 triglycerides are used to create sunscreens with SPF factor. If such a tool is not at hand, pure olive oil is suitable for neutralizing harmful UV radiation. To do this, apply 15 – 20 minutes before sunbathing on a clean body.

Application

On an industrial scale, oleic acid is obtained by hydrolysis of vegetable oils. For this, fractionation of lipids from olive concentrate is performed, followed by multiple crystallization from methanol or acetone. The resulting emulsion (olein) has a pasty or liquid texture that solidifies at temperatures above 10 degrees Celsius.

Scopes of oleic acid:

1. Paint and varnish industry. Olein is used as the basis for the production of paints, varnish, enamels, flotation reagents, emulsifiers.
2. Household chemicals. Salts and esters of oleic acid are auxiliary components of detergents, soap emulsions.
3. Food industry. Technical fats are used as defoamers (when thickening products in vacuum units), emulsifiers, carrier vehicles (when glazing fresh fruits).
4. Pulp and paper industry. Monounsaturated lipids are added to cellulosic mixtures to increase their fluidity and elasticity.
5. Metallurgy. Technical acid is used as a cutting fluid in the processing of high alloy and stainless steels by cutting. In addition, olein is used to fine-tune steel surfaces of parts with metal removal to 22 microns.
6. Textile industry. Omega-9 ethyl oleates are included in the composition of sizing preparations, which give the clothes water-repellent, fire-retardant, oil-repellent, hydrophobic properties.
7. The medicine. Technical olein is introduced into the composition of pharmacological agents, as a filler, emulsifier, a solvent of vitamins and hormones.

In addition, the components of oleic acid are used in the perfumery, chemical, rubber and petrochemical industries.

Conclusion

Omega-9 is a group of conditionally replaceable lipids that maintain the integrity of cell membranes, participate in the construction of myelin sheaths of neurons, normalize fat metabolism, increase immune defense, and potentiate the synthesis of hormone-like substances. Without these compounds, the proper functioning of the cardiovascular, endocrine, nervous and digestive systems is impossible.

The main sources of omega-9 triglycerides are vegetable oils (olive, sesame, peanut, macadamia), fish oil, nuts, seeds.

With proper metabolism, monounsaturated lipids are synthesized by the intestinal microflora. However, if the metabolism is disturbed, the body may experience lipid deficiency. To prevent omega-9 deficiency, the daily menu includes 10 milliliters of olive oil, 100 grams of seeds (pumpkin, sesame, sunflower) and walnuts.