The Newest Super-Fat: Say Hello to Omega-7

Originally published by Leah Shainhouse on 7/5/2013

Many people tend to overindulge in high-fat foods that satisfy their palate—but not their hunger pangs.

Ever wonder why?

Since fat is the least satiating macronutrient compared to protein or carbohydrates, you’re more likely to eat more of these fatty treats in order to feel full. What’s worse is that fat contains double the amount of calories that protein or carbohydrates do; therefore, a lot more energy is being consumed and probably not being expended.

The obesity epidemic is a large problem (excuse the pun) and doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. It is a result of our society eating far too many calories and expending far too little energy.

However, Not All Fat Is Bad!

Remember those omega-3s that have been shown to reduce inflammation and improve heart and brain health?

You’ve finally gotten the hang of incorporating those fatty fish into your diet twice weekly, upped your intake of flaxseed, and anything else to make sure you’re getting enough of those nutrient-dense omega-3 sources.

Yet now you’re being told you might want to jump on the omega-7 bandwagon?

So What Are These Omega-7s?

Omega-7s are the newest thing, and show promise in reducing inflammation, reducing insulin resistance, and improving the health of your pancreas. They may even have a beneficial role in glucose and lipid metabolism. Best of all, a recent study showed that they can help curb your food intake by inducing early satiety.

Omega-7, also known as palmitoleic acid, is a monounsaturated fatty acid that’s beginning to get quite a bit of press. It is found naturally in some foods, including the oils of macadamia nuts and sea buckthorn, as well as in fish oils.

The downside is that palmitoleic acid tends to be coupled with palmitic acid, also known as sodium palmitate. Palmitic acid is a harmful saturated fat produced from the oils found in palm trees (palm oil or palm kernel oil). It has been shown to promote inflammation in the body, contributing to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cognitive decline over time. So the real question is: do the health benefits of palmitoleic acid mitigate the negative effects of palmitic acid?

Are Omega-7s Worth The Hype?

Since this is such a new discovery, the research behind it is limited, but shows promise. Most of the current research has been performed on animals—in particular, rats. A recent study published earlier this year found that omega-7 (palmitoleic acid) has a positive effect on satiety.

Each group was given a sample of palmitoleic acid (omega-7), a saturated fat (palmitic acid), a different monounsaturated fat (oleic acid—an omega-9), or a control diet. Compared to the other diets, the people eating palmitoleic acid (omega-7) were able to decrease food intake by inducing production of hormones found in the gut that play a role in suppressing appetite.

Another study published a couple of years ago found that palmitoleic acid improved cholesterol and triglyceride levels in rats, reducing insulin resistance and promoting weight loss.

The Bottom Line

These studies show promise in improving our cholesterol and insulin sensitivities, leading to prevention of type 2 diabetes and improvement in heart health. However, at this stage, the effects of these supplements are still being studied. For instance, while sea buckthorn oil contains the omega-7 acids, it also has saturated fat and palmitic acid, and we still don’t understand the negative effects those carry as well as we should.

Until more research is done, try incorporating macadamia nuts into your diet. A serving size is a quarter of a cup, or no more than 12 nuts. Remember not to overindulge on these healthy nuts, as they are also a fat. Also, continue incorporating your fatty, oily fish—we already know that the omega-3s will surely benefit our health!

Source(s) for Today’s Article:
Sygo, J., “Jennifer Sygo: Introducing omega-7s, the new fatty acid on the block,” The National Post web site, June 11, 2013; http://life.nationalpost.com/2013/06/11/jennifer-sygo-introducing-omega-7s-the-new-fatty-acid-on-the-block/,.
Yang, Z., et al., “Oral administration of omega-7 palmitoleic acid induces satiety and the release of appetite-related hormones in male rats,” Appetite 2013; 65(2013):1-7.

** Sea Buckthorn Insider Note – Palmitic acid is not bad as some sources (such as this one) are indicating. It’s used in many cosmetic products for its cleansing and emulsifying properties. Studies have indicated palmitic acid might help with fighting skin cancer. Palmitic acid also helps the skin form it’s occlusive defensive layer to keep pathogens out and keep moisture in. It also has mild antioxidant properties.

The main ‘negative’ associated with palmitic acid was a study published in the “Asian Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition”. In the study a group of healthy volunteers consumed a high dose of palmitic acid. It was concluded that palmitic acid taken apart from linoleic acid may increase cholesterol. Fortunately, linoleic acid is always found with palmitic acid in natural food sources. The study showed what happened if palmitic is taken isolated and at an unusually high amount which is simply not feasible in the natural world.

In excess and isolated from linoleic acid and others, yes SOME studies indicate palmitic acid may have some negative effects. Have you tried finding this fatty acid from a natural source that doesn’t have other fatty acids? Good luck … plenty of nutritious foods have naturally occurring palmitic acid such as pumpkin and coconut oil. Palm fruit oil, hence Palmitic acid, is the most potent source of palmitic acid around.

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3 thoughts on “The Newest Super-Fat: Say Hello to Omega-7”

    • Hi,

      No, you will get benefits from taking an omega 7 supplement no matter what diet you are on. Let us know if that answers your question.

      Thank you

      Reply

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