Omega3 and Omega 6 are commonly known and widely discussed,but very little is known about Omega 7.These are are a group of unsaturated fatty acids but most important is PALMITOLEIC ACID.This fatty acid is gaining attention as well as importance because its potential to reduce risk factors for heart disease,type 2 DM,and other obesity related diseases.
In 2008 scientists at Harward University discovered that palmitoleic acid plays an important role in regulating metabolism.It is claimed that this fatty acid acts as a hormone in the body (name coined as LIPOKINE ),an entirely new class of hormone.
Japanese researchers working on mice found that omega 7,lowers blood sugar,improves insulin sensitivity,changes that may help DM type2.Animal studies also showed that it suppresses inflammation that contributes to metabolic syndrome,type2 DM and other chronic conditions.Studies in HUMANS have been limited,but showed that it improves insulin sensitivity and improves lipid profile.
Palmitoleic acid is not an essential fatty acid and also it is scarcely found in our diet.But Macadamia nuts is a rich source and fish provide a little bit.The richest source is however comes from oil prepared from sea buckthorn berries,grown in himalyan region.
A word of caution ,please do not rush to obtain it,as most of the studies are done in mice and NOT on humans.More research is needed to understand it fully.