Monounsaturated Fatty Acids: How To Use Them For Your Benefit

Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) are chemically classified as fatty acids containing a single double bond. Although more than 100 MUFAs are identified in nature, most of these are very rare.

Monounsaturated fatty acids are one of two types of unsaturated fatty acids. The other one being polyunsaturated fatty acids.

The most common MUFA ◳ in daily nutrition is oleic acid (18:1 n-9), followed by palmitoleic acid (16:1 n-7) and vaccenic acid (18:1 n-7). The most frequently consumed MUFA rich dietary oils are canola and olive oil.

Are MUFAs good or bad? Not a clear answer

Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) can improve blood fats in some studies. But some evidence concerning MUFA intake ◳ and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk exists. That research is very controversial.

The good side of monounsaturated fatty acids

Diets rich in MUFAs have favorable anti-inflammatory properties ◳ and an improved lipid profile.

Monounsaturated fatty acids might improve insulin resistance ◳ by influencing the composition of cell membranes.

The bad side of monounsaturated fatty acids

Some clinical trials with high MUFA diets showed no effect on blood pressure ◳.

All Our Monounsaturated Fatty Acids Categories

Uncommon Monounsaturated Fatty Acids

Uncommon monounsaturated fatty acids are acids that don't belong to another family like the omegas or the trans.

But they can still possess both benefits or side-effects just like all the other monounsaturated fatty acids.

Find out what kind of monounsaturated fatty acids are uncommon and what kind of research there is behind them in Monounsaturated Uncommon Fatty Acids: How To Use Them For Your Benefit.

Cis isomer - the natural configuration of monounsaturated fatty acids

The cis isomer is the natural and the common configuration of unsaturated fatty acids.

Fatty acids can be changed from the cis isomer to the trans-form by processes such as heating, baking, and frying.

Check out the monounsaturated cis fatty acids in Monounsaturated cis Fatty Acids: How To Use Them For Your Benefit

Trans isomer of monounsaturated fatty acids

Trans fatty acids, more commonly called trans fats, are made by heating liquid vegetable oils in the presence of hydrogen gas, a process called hydrogenation.

Trans fats are the worst type of fat for the heart, blood vessels, and rest of the body.

You can find more information about the different monounsaturated trans fatty acids in Monounsaturated trans Fatty Acids: How To Use Them For Your Benefit.

Omega 5, 7, 9, 11 of monounsaturated fatty acids

Omega 5, 7, 9, and 11 are relatively unknown omega fatty acids. But they contain several health benefits that are worthy to explore.

You can find more information about the monounsaturated omega fatty acids in Monounsaturated Omega Fatty Acids: How To Use Them For Your Benefit.

More Information

You can find more information about monounsaturated fatty acid and examples of common types, in What Are Total Count Of Monounsaturated Fatty Acids?

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