What is Oleic acid?

Oleic acid is the most common monounsaturated fatty acid in human cells.

Monounsaturated fatty acids are found in foods such as nuts, olives, and their oils. You can get oleic acid by using olive oil or your body can produce it from saturated fatty acids. Either way, you need this type of fat to build cell membranes that function properly.

Oleic acid is present in the fat of all foods and is also produced from essential fatty acids in normal human liver cells and fat cells. Oleic acid makes up 15% of the fatty acids in the membranes of red blood cells and, because of the presence of one double bond in the center of the molecule, helps maintain critical membrane fluidity.

Low levels:

Oleic acid is present in the fat of all foods and is also produced from essential fatty acids in normal human liver cells and fat cells. Low levels of oleic acid have an impact on this function and can be corrected by increasing dietary intake (ex: olive oil).

Both low and high levels of omega-9 fats can increase the risk of heart failure and death [2]

High levels:

Elevated oleic acid serum concentrations in patients suffering from alcohol dependence [1]
Both low and high levels of omega-9 fats can increase the risk of heart failure and death [2]

References:

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