Oil & Fat · Other

Oleic Acid (Omega-9)

Provisional Strong Scorelipid

Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia

Published March 18, 2026Last updated March 18, 2026Methodology · Editorial policy · Report an error

Evidence review status: unreviewed

Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.

Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION

Provisional Summary

Oleic acid is a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid that comprises 70-80% of olive oil's fatty acid content. It modulates cholesterol metabolism by upregulating LDL receptors and activating PPAR-alpha pathways to improve cardiovascular health.

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Screened PMID Records

Reported Benefits

Pending

Synergy Review

At a Glance

CategoryOil & Fat

GroupOther

Public Score StatusProvisional Strong

Primary Keywordoleic acid benefits

Oleic Acid (Omega-9) — botanical close-up

Reported Benefits (Provisional)

Supports heart health by improving cholesterol levels, particularly by increasing HDL and lowering LDL cholesterol. - May reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are key contributors to chronic diseases. - Enhances brain function by improving blood flow, which can boost cognitive performance and memory. - Supports skin health by maintaining moisture and elasticity, crucial for a youthful complexion. - Aids in weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness, which can reduce overall calorie intake. - Promotes digestive health by enhancing gut motility, which can prevent constipation and improve nutrient absorption. - Supports immune health by modulating inflammatory responses, enhancing the body's defense mechanisms.

Origin & History

Natural habitat

Oleic Acid is a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid predominantly found in olive oil, avocados, and nuts. It is extracted through pressing and refining processes.

“Oleic acid has been a staple in Mediterranean diets for centuries, known for its health-promoting properties.”Traditional Medicine

Research Narrative (Provisional)

Epidemiological studies support oleic acid's role in cardiovascular health. Some RCTs have demonstrated its benefits in reducing inflammation and improving lipid profiles.

Preparation & Dosage

Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.

Nutritional Profile

- Contains one double bond in its carbon chain. - Provides approximately 9 calories per gram. - Abundant in Mediterranean diets.

Reported Mechanism (Provisional)

Mechanism of Action

Oleic acid activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α), which regulates genes involved in fatty acid oxidation and cholesterol metabolism. It upregulates hepatic LDL receptors, enhancing cholesterol clearance from blood, while modulating HMG-CoA reductase activity to reduce endogenous cholesterol synthesis. The compound also inhibits nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling, reducing inflammatory cytokine production.

Clinical Narrative (Provisional)

A meta-analysis of 24 randomized controlled trials found that oleic acid-rich diets reduced LDL cholesterol by 6-10% compared to saturated fat diets. The PREDIMED study (n=7,447) demonstrated that high oleic acid intake reduced cardiovascular events by 30% over 4.8 years. However, most evidence comes from whole food studies rather than isolated oleic acid supplementation. Limited human trials specifically test purified oleic acid supplements, making supplement-specific efficacy unclear.

Also Known As

(Z)-9-Octadecenoic acidOmega-99-Octadecenoic acidCis-9-Octadecenoic acidElaidic acid isomerMediterranean fatOlive oil acid

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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