Omega-7 fatty acids (Omega-7 Monounsaturated Fatty Acids)

Table of Contents

Other names

Palmitoleic Acid
Sea Buckthorn Oil
Macadamia Oil
Omega-7 Oil

Synopsis

Omega-7 fatty acids are a lesser-known class of monounsaturated fats, with palmitoleic acid being the most studied and biologically active member. Unlike omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, omega-7s are not essential—meaning the body can synthesize them—but they have garnered attention for their unique metabolic and anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-7s are primarily found in macadamia nuts, sea buckthorn berries, avocado, and certain cold-water fish.

Palmitoleic acid has demonstrated potential in supporting metabolic health, particularly by enhancing insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and improving lipid profiles. Some studies suggest that omega-7s may help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, raise HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and reduce fat accumulation in the liver. They also appear to suppress appetite-regulating hormones, which could support weight management strategies.

Sea buckthorn oil, rich in both omega-7s and other beneficial compounds like flavonoids and tocopherols, is widely used in natural medicine for skin repair, mucosal health, and gastrointestinal healing. Omega-7s also support the integrity of epithelial tissues, making them useful in addressing dryness in the eyes, mouth, and vaginal tissues—particularly during menopause. Supplements containing purified palmitoleic acid are often marketed for cardiovascular, skin, and metabolic health.

Historical Use in Medicine
While omega-7s were only formally classified and studied in recent decades, their primary sources—especially sea buckthorn—have a long history in traditional medicine. In Tibetan, Mongolian, and Chinese traditional healing systems, sea buckthorn berries and oil were used to treat respiratory conditions, gastrointestinal issues, burns, and skin injuries. The plant was often revered for its rejuvenating and restorative properties.

Ancient Greek texts also mention the use of sea buckthorn to improve equine health, giving rise to its botanical name Hippophae rhamnoides (meaning “shiny horse”). In Ayurvedic medicine, sea buckthorn was used for its balancing effects on all three doshas and its capacity to promote tissue regeneration.

The discovery of omega-7s' biochemical activity has brought modern scientific validation to many of these traditional uses. Today, omega-7s—especially palmitoleic acid—are gaining recognition as a natural, food-based strategy for addressing metabolic syndrome, dry membranes, and inflammatory conditions, linking centuries-old botanical practices with cutting-edge nutritional science.

Uses: Health Conditions

None

Body Systems

Digestive System (Science)
Mucus Membranes (Science)
Skin (Science)