What is the purpose of omega-7?

November 24, 2025 •

2 min read

Studies suggest that omega-7, particularly palmitoleic acid, can help improve insulin sensitivity and support a healthy metabolic balance. This fatty acid promotes overall health, regulating metabolism, enhancing skin vitality, and supporting cardiovascular function.

Quick Summary

This article explores the role of omega-7 fatty acids, highlighting their benefits for metabolic syndrome, skin hydration, and heart health. It details key food sources and supplements containing this nutrient.

Key Points

Metabolic Regulation: Omega-7 helps improve insulin sensitivity and regulate lipid metabolism, aiding in weight management and reducing the risk of type-2 diabetes.
Cardiovascular Support: By reducing inflammation markers and balancing cholesterol levels (lowering LDL, raising HDL), omega-7 contributes to better heart health.
Skin and Mucosal Hydration: A major component of human sebum, omega-7 moisturizes and supports the health of skin and mucous membranes, offering relief from dryness.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The fatty acid has potent anti-inflammatory effects that benefit systemic health, including support for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Dietary Sources: Excellent natural sources include sea buckthorn oil, macadamia nuts, certain fatty fish, avocado, and olive oil.
Satiety Control: Omega-7 can help control appetite by influencing hormones that regulate feelings of fullness, supporting healthy weight control efforts.
Overall Wellness: Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions, omega-7 protects cells and contributes to general well-being and anti-aging efforts.

Understanding Omega-7: A Unique Fatty Acid

Omega-7 fatty acids are monounsaturated fats, with palmitoleic acid being the most common type. Unlike essential omega-3s and omega-6s, the body can produce omega-7s, making them non-essential. Consuming them through diet or supplements can offer health advantages. These fatty acids, sometimes called 'lipokines,' act as signaling molecules involved in metabolism and inflammation.

Benefits for Metabolic Health and Weight Management

A key purpose of omega-7 is its impact on metabolic function. Research indicates palmitoleic acid can help regulate insulin sensitivity, important for managing type-2 diabetes. It may also assist in weight management by encouraging the body to use fat for energy and promoting satiety by stimulating hormones that signal fullness.

Supporting Cardiovascular Health

Omega-7's anti-inflammatory properties benefit cardiovascular health by potentially lowering inflammation markers like C-reactive protein (CRP), which can reduce the risk of heart disease. It may also help maintain healthy cholesterol levels by reducing LDL and increasing HDL cholesterol.

The 'Beauty Omega' for Skin and Mucous Membranes

Known as "the beauty omega," omega-7 is beneficial for skin and mucous membranes due to its role in hydration and regeneration. Palmitoleic acid is a component of human sebum, allowing it to easily integrate into the skin. It can provide lubrication for dryness in areas like the eyes and mouth.

Common Sources of Omega-7

Some common sources of omega-7 include sea buckthorn oil, macadamia nuts and oil, certain fatty fish, avocado, olive oil, and grass-fed dairy products {Link: maison-argousier.fr https://www.maison-argousier.fr/en/omega-7-les-incroyables-bienfaits-dun-acide-gras-en-mal-de-reconnaissance/}.

Omega-7 Supplements: What to Look For

When choosing omega-7 supplements, especially from sea buckthorn, look for supercritical CO2 extraction methods. It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider regarding dosage, particularly if you have health conditions like diabetes.

Comparison: Omega-7 vs. Omega-3


Feature	Omega-7 (Palmitoleic Acid)	Omega-3 (EPA & DHA)
Type of Fatty Acid	Monounsaturated	Polyunsaturated
Essential Status	Non-essential	Essential
Primary Roles	Metabolic regulation, skin hydration, anti-inflammatory	Brain, joint, and heart health
Key Food Sources	Sea buckthorn, macadamia nuts, certain fish	Fatty fish, flaxseed, walnuts

Conclusion: The Multifaceted Purpose of Omega-7

Omega-7 fatty acids have a significant and varied purpose. They play a role in metabolic health by influencing insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles. Omega-7 also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, benefiting cardiovascular health and potentially inflammatory skin conditions. Its impact on skin hydration and mucosal integrity contributes to its use in wellness and beauty. Incorporating omega-7-rich foods or supplements may support skin, heart, and metabolic health. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen {Link: maison-argousier.fr https://www.maison-argousier.fr/en/omega-7-les-incroyables-bienfaits-dun-acide-gras-en-mal-de-reconnaissance/}.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main purpose of omega-7 fatty acids is to serve as signaling molecules (lipokines) that regulate metabolic functions, support cardiovascular health, and improve skin and mucosal hydration.

While the human body can produce omega-7, dietary intake or supplementation can provide concentrated amounts for targeted health benefits, such as improving insulin sensitivity and skin health. It is considered a non-essential fatty acid.

Sea buckthorn oil, derived from the berry pulp, is considered the most concentrated and potent botanical source of omega-7. Macadamia nuts and macadamia oil are also excellent sources.

Omega-7 enhances skin health by improving hydration, boosting collagen production, and supporting the skin's barrier function. It helps combat dryness, reduces wrinkles, and can soothe inflammatory skin conditions.

Omega-7 supports heart health by helping to lower bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, raising good HDL cholesterol, and reducing systemic inflammation, a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Yes, some studies suggest that omega-7, particularly palmitoleic acid, can help with weight management by signaling the body to stop storing fat and by increasing satiety, which can help reduce overall food intake.

Omega-7 and omega-3 have different purposes. Omega-3 is an essential polyunsaturated fat known for its benefits to the brain, heart, and joints, while omega-7 is a non-essential monounsaturated fat primarily recognized for its effects on metabolic health, skin, and inflammation. Both are considered healthy and provide distinct benefits.

References

1
The Role of the Novel Lipokine Palmitoleic Acid in Health and Disease