Omega-7 Fatty Acids and Weight Loss

Although not so common, omega-7 fatty acids have been found to have a lot of health benefits. That’s why it is not funny when you hear omega-7 fatty acids and weight loss mentioned in the same sentence.

According to information available on various blogs, omega-7 fatty acids work by preventing unbridled weight gain.

No wonder, there are already a number of weight loss products which are solely based on omega-7 fatty acids. Apart from embarking on a diet, omega-7 fatty acids can accelerate an individual’s weight loss efforts.

What Are Omega-7 Fats?

Omega-7 is a naturally occurring fatty acid existing in a number of foods. They exist in the form of polyunsaturated fatty acids with the 7th carbon from the end having a double bond. It is one of the omega fats which play a role as fuel and building blocks for the body’s components. The highest concentration of omega-7 fatty acids is found in the Sea Buckthorn plant.

Also referred to as palmitoleic acid, omega-7 fats do not exist as abundantly as the other omega fats. Apart from Sea Buckthorn, the other food sources of omega-7 fats include fish oil, avocados, olive oil, and macadamia oil. However, macadamia nuts supply only half of the amount of omega-7 fats found in Sea Buckthorn.

What Are The Known Benefits Of Omega-7 Fats?

Omega-7 fatty acids come with a lot of health benefits. While they may all be related, all of the benefits are geared towards giving you good wellbeing. The well-known benefits of these fatty acids include the following:

1. Managing Body Weight

The accumulation of fat tissues in the abdominal area is a leading cause of heart disease and diabetes. When the fats grow in large amounts, it leads to inflammation which could expose you to lifestyle diseases. Omega-7 fats can prevent the accumulation of belly fats by creating the appropriate signals in the body.

Also, foods rich in omega-7 fats are known to make you feel full sooner in addition to promoting the secretion of hormones related to hunger. Thus, they help you manage weight by ensuring you eat only enough.

2. Lowering Insulin and Glucose Resistance

One of the most effective ways to reduce insulin resistance and lower blood sugar is eating a diet with foods rich in omega-7 fats.

This was proven by a study on mice. In the study, the mice experienced reduced insulin resistance and blood sugar levels.

It also reduced the rate at which fats were being deposited in the liver thus aiding weight loss. The mice had fewer inflammatory cytokines and decreased weight gain due to diabetes.

3. Fighting Inflammation

The accumulation of fat in parts of the body exposes one to inflammation. That’s because huge fat deposits lead to the secretion of stearoyl CoA desaturase (SCD1) an enzyme associated with increased inflammation.

When ingested, omega-7 fatty acids suppress the production of SCD1 thus reducing inflammation in the tissues. In studies involving the administration of omega-7 fats, there was a significant reduction in inflammatory cytokines due to unbridled weight gain.

Can Omega-7 Fats Help You Eat Less?

The results of a preliminary study show that omega-7 fats have the ability to make rats each less. In the study, researchers fed male rats on omega-7 fats, omega-9 fats or a placebo and observed their food intake in the short-term.

The group that was fed on omega-7 fats ate significantly less than those in the other groups.

According to the researchers, the accumulation of omega-7 fats in the small intestines stimulates the production of cholecystokinin (CCK), a hormone that makes you feel full.

As a conclusion, the researchers said that administering omega-7 fats orally has the ability to promote satiety and stimulate the secretion of CCK, an enzyme that promotes satiety.

Increasing Omega-7 Fatty Acids in Your Diet

From what we have discussed above, most of the studies done on omega-7 fatty acids has been in rats. So how does one transfer its benefits to humans?

If you have weight loss goals, you can start by introducing omega-7 fatty acids into your daily diet. You may want to include foods such as macadamia nuts, avocado, and Sea Buckthorn. If you opt for the nuts, eat in moderation.

If you are wondering how to prepare Sea Buckthorn, take it easy. You can eat it raw by mixing it in smoothies or even use it to make stews. Search for Sea Buckthorn recipes when you get stuck. You can never go wrong with your weight loss goals using Sea Buckthorn.