Fatty acids like omega-3s can be found in oily fish and flaxseed, while foods like eggs, poultry and walnut oil contain omega-6s. But have you ever heard of omega-7s?

Omega-7s are unsaturated fatty acids that are rarely discussed, but they’re also essential to your well-being.

Foods like anchovies and salmon, along with macadamia and olive oils, contain omega-7s. Sea buckthorn oil is the best source of omega-7s. It comes from a shrub that can be found along sandy coasts.

Data from a 2008 study reveal that omega-7s play a role in the regulation of metabolism. Animal study results suggest that these fatty acids help prevent harmful metabolic processes linked to obesity-related conditions.

Meanwhile, human studies have reported similar results: People with high levels of omega-7s have better insulin sensitivity and blood cholesterol profiles.

Signs of omega-7 deficiency

Even if you don’t realize it, you may be suffering from an omega-7 deficiency. Here are four warning signs you should be aware of.

1. When you have dry or red eyes – You may have experienced having dry eyes at some point in your life, especially if you use computers, smartphones, tablets, and TVs frequently, as they have blue-light-emitting screens. Contact lens can also contribute to dry eyes. However, dry eyes may also indicate that you need omega-7. A study published in The Journal of Nutrition looked at the effect of omega-7 supplementation in people with dry eye symptoms, such as soreness, dryness, blurred vision, burning, redness, and watery eyes. It was found that the study participants who took four capsules of omega-7 supplements daily for three months experienced significant reductions in eye redness and burning symptoms compared to those who took the placebo. In addition, those who wear contact lens and took the omega-7 supplement reported lesser overall eye symptoms.
2. When your skin is dry – Like omega-3, omega-7 is essential to the production of collagen. Topically apply sea buckthorn, which is rich in omega-7 and omega-3 fatty acids, to help your skin re-hydrate. Sea buckthorn oil can also help improve skin conditions, such as dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema. It is also recommended for red skin conditions, such as rosacea and sunburn. Since it also supports the mucous membranes, it could help lessen mouth ulcers. Studies also suggested that it could help skin dryness due to radiotherapy.
3. When you experience vaginal dryness – Omega-7 is also important to intimate lubrication. Vaginal dryness is a sign of menopause. Supplementation of sea buckthorn can help with the feeling of dryness and irritation of the urinary system and genitals as well. A study published in the journal Maturitas looked at the effect of omega-7 supplementation on women experiencing vaginal dryness, itching, or burning. Results showed that those who took omega-7 supplements for three months reported an overall improvement in vaginal lubrication and overall vaginal health. The study researchers suggested that it could be an alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
4. When your mouth is dry – Approximately 40 percent of adults, primarily women and the elderly, experience dry mouth. It can be a symptom of a salivary gland dysfunction and a side effect of stress and some medications. Moreover, saliva is important for cleaning the mouth, and a prolonged dry mouth can cause food debris accumulation, increased dental plaque, and greater risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Research has shown that sea buckthorn can improve the symptoms of dry mouth.

Although sea buckthorn contains plenty of other omega fatty acids, it is more commonly known for its omega-7 content. For instance, sea buckthorn is a good source of palmitoleic acid, a rare omega-7 fatty acid. The only other source of this fat is macadamia oil. Sea buckthorn contains more than twice the amount of omega-7s in macadamia oil.

Sources:

Healthista.com

SeaBuckthornInsider.com

EverydayHealth.com