View source for Omega-7 fatty acids

See also :
* [[Omega-3 fatty acids]]
* [[Omega-6 fatty acids]]
* [[Omega-9 fatty acids]]
* [[Macadamia]]
* [[Sea Buckthorn]]
Omega-7 fatty acids are a class of unsaturated fatty acids in which the site of unsaturation is seven carbon atoms from the end of the carbon chain.  The two most common omega-7 fatty acids in nature are  palmitoleic acid and  vaccenic acid. Omega-7s are considered non-essential fatty acids, which means your body can make enough omega-7s to function properly. In other words, you don’t need to get them from foods or supplements. Rich sources include [[macadamia]] nut oil and [[Sea Buckthorn]] oil. <br>The monounsaturated omega-7 fatty acids have the general chemical structure CH<sub>3</sub>-(CH<sub>2</sub>)<sub>5</sub>-CH=CH-(CH<sub>2</sub>)<sub>n</sub>-CO<sub>2</sub>H.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Common name
! Lipid name
! Chemical name
|-
| ''none''
| 12:1 (''n''−7)
| 5-Dodecenoic acid
|-
| ''none''
| 14:1 (''n''−7)
| 7-Tetradecenoic acid
|-
| Palmitoleic acid
| 16:1 (''n''−7)
| 9-Hexadecenoic acid
|-
| Vaccenic acid
| 18:1 (''n''−7)
| 11-Octadecenoic acid
|-
| Paullinic acid
| 20:1 (''n''−7)
| 13-Eicosenoic acid
|-
| ''none''
| 22:1 (''n''−7)
| 15-Docosenoic acid
|-
| ''none''
| 24:1 (''n''−7)
| 17-Tetracosenoic acid
|}

==Special Precautions of Omega-7 fatty acids==
When omega-7 fatty acids accumulate in the oily sebum that lubricates the skin, they are broken down into the chemical 2-noneal, which causes the phenomenon known as "old people smell." Frequent washing and specially formulated cosmetics eliminate the smell. Taking omega-7 supplements gives you the health benefits without causing accumulation of omega-7's in your skin.

==Benefits and uses of Omega-7 fatty acids are==
Your body does not need omega-7's to function. Certain, specific omega-7's have desired health effects. weight loss (most beneficial for people on a low-carb diet), lowering cholesterol and preventing type 2 diabetes.  Common dietary sources of omega-7 fatty acids include wild salmon, macadamia nuts, and sea buckthorn berries.
* can provide essential health benefits in weight loss and cholesterol control.
*helps regulate fat and blood sugar metabolism (in adipose tissue and in the pancreas). In vitro studies suggest that omega-7 helps improve the function of the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. 
* Skin health : Omega-7 is a major fatty acid in epithelial cell membranes. This means skin, blood vessels, and mucous membranes. The presence of omega-7 in the epithelial cell membrane plays a protective role including inhibiting bacterial growth, as well promoting tissue recovery and healing. When Omega-7 fatty acids are applied directly to the skin, they can help keep skin smooth, flexible and hydrated. Research specifically on sea buckthorn oil, (which contains 30 to 40 percent omega-7), shows its role in improving eczema, acne, oral and stomach ulcers, and vaginal irritation/dryness. 
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