So often we focus on olive oil and the healthiest oil but in fact, olive oil misses one key omega such as omega 9.

The monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are known as omegas. There are three types of omega fatty acids: omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are two types of polyunsaturated fat and are considered essential fatty acids because the body cannot manufacture them.

Omega-9 fatty acids are from a family of monounsaturated fats that also are beneficial when obtained in food or in oils. Omega-9 is a monounsaturated fatty acid and it helps reduce key factors that contribute to disease.

Omega-9 fatty acids offer important health benefits and research shows that omega-9 fatty acids are protective against metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease risk factors. But more importantly because omega-9 fatty acids have been shown to increase HDL (“good”) cholesterol and decrease LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, they help eliminate plaque buildup in the arteries, which may cause heart attack or stroke.