Chuwey
04-10-2010, 01:28 PM
Suppose your dietary fat is split pretty equally between saturated, monunsaturated, and polyusaturated. And that your polyunsaturated is basically a mix of omega-6 and omega-3, and the ratio is whatever, 1:1 or 1:4 (omega-3: omega-6) or more. Is there any role for omega-9? I know it's non-essential but is there any benefit to consuming it anyway? Much appreciated.
Emma-Leigh
04-10-2010, 03:10 PM
Suppose your dietary fat is split pretty equally between saturated, monunsaturated, and polyusaturated. And that your polyunsaturated is basically a mix of omega-6 and omega-3, and the ratio is whatever, 1:1 or 1:4 (omega-3: omega-6) or more. Is there any role for omega-9? I know it's non-essential but is there any benefit to consuming it anyway? Much appreciated.
There are a range of health benefits recorded with diets higher in mono-unsaturated omega-9 fats (most famous being oleic acid)... And the best known example is with the concept of a 'Mediterranean diet' (rich in olive oil/ olives/ avocados/ sesame, etc) and the benefits that flow from this.
As well as generally just aiding in health and well-being (eg: joints, skin, hair) most evidence suggests it helps with:
- Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease (Lowers LDL cholesterol, increases HDL cholesterol, reduces atherosclerosis)
- Improved insulin sensitivity (decreases insulin resistance and helps maintain healthy Blood sugar levels)
- Aids in protection against some types of cancer (eg: Breast cancer, colon cancer)
There is also some evidence to suggest it improves immune function...