Oleic Acid: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications

Anti-inflammatory

Increasing dietary intake of oleic acid may be beneficial for patients suffering from diseases involving inflammatory processes, including cardiovascular diseases and ulcerative colitis. It appears that oleic acid inhibits the adhesion of leukocytes to endothelial cells in vitro, probably by hindering the expression of molecules involved in this process. Moreover, it seems to counter the inflammatory processes in aortic endothelial cells. In men, a diet rich in oleic acid decreases C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, an inflammatory marker, compared to a diet rich in palmitic acid. A recent meta-analysis involving 31 trials revealed that supplementing the diet with additional oleic acid for at least 4 weeks reduces CRP levels, without however affecting other inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-6 (IL-6), fibrinogen, type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor, soluble intracellular adhesion molecule, or soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1.

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Cardiovascular

The benefits of oleic acid on cardiovascular health could be attributed to its effects on blood lipids. Human research indicates that consumption of oleic acid-rich canola oil prevents the binding of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) particles to the arterial wall. This phenomenon could help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the accumulation of lipid plaques in the arteries, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. A proposed mechanism for the reduction in LDL cholesterol levels observed with oleic acid is the increased expression of hepatic LDL receptors, as shown in animal research. These receptors play a key role in cholesterol metabolism by facilitating the removal of LDL particles from the blood, which contributes to lowering LDL cholesterol levels. Additionally, oleic acid might also decrease the oxidation of fatty acids, a process that can lead to the formation of oxidized LDL, a particularly atherogenic form of cholesterol since it is easily incorporated into arterial plaques. Moreover, the increase in HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels, often observed with an oleic acid-rich diet, is another protective factor against cardiovascular diseases. HDL cholesterol is known for exerting several beneficial effects, including transporting cholesterol from peripheral tissues to the liver for elimination, often referred to as "reverse cholesterol transport." Furthermore, HDL has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can contribute to reducing the risk of developing atherosclerosis.

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Anticancer

Oleic acid plays a promising role in the prevention of various types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer. In vitro studies have shown that oleic acid can inhibit the proliferation, progression, and metastasis of several cell lines examined. Possible mechanisms include inhibition of the cancer-associated gene like HER-2 and interference with other intracellular signaling pathways. Moreover, oleic acid has the ability to induce apoptosis in cancerous cell lines in vitro, potentially by increasing intracellular reactive oxygen species and interfering with other cellular cascades. A cohort study revealed an inverse association between dietary oleic acid consumption and the risk of developing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (pancreatic tumor). This study involved 23,658 participants, aged 40 to 74 years, of whom 88 developed pancreatic cancer after an average follow-up of 8.4 years. Increased oleic acid consumption was associated with a reduced risk of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, particularly significant in individuals with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25, suggesting a potential protective role of oleic acid against the development of this type of cancer, likely influencing hyperinsulinemia.