Monounsaturated Fats: Great For Heart Health

Monounsaturated fats are good fats. They are also known as omega 9 fatty acids of which oleic acid is the main component. It is not an essential fat as the body can make it, provided there are omega 3 and 6 fats present.

These fats which are found in animal and vegetable sources are beneficial to your health, but should be eating in moderation. Olive oil is a great source.

People who follow a Mediterranean diet which is very high in omega 9 fats such as olive oil, tend to have a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. This is because it helps to lower the bad LDL cholesterol level in the blood while raising the good HDL cholesterol level.

Omega 9 fats are typically high in vitamin E which is an antioxidant as well as provide nutrients which help develop and maintain the body’s cells.

Health benefits of Omega 9 fat:

• Lowers blood cholesterol level which reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke
• Helps to keep the arteries supple, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
• Helps to improve our immunity
• Helps reduce the risk of certain cancers

Foods which contain mostly Omega 9s:

• Olive oil
• Canola oil
• Peanut oil
• Olives
• Peanut butter
• Tuna
• Mackerel
• Salmon
• Sardines
• Peanuts
• Almonds
• Hazelnuts
• Pecan nuts
• Cashew nuts
• Pumpkin seeds
• Sesame seeds
• Avocados
• Chicken