Britannica
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Which foods are major sources of oleic acid?
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fat and oil processing
Butter.
Oleic acid is the most widely distributed fatty acid and serves as the primary monounsaturated fatty acid found in both plants and animals. It is a key component obtained through the saponification of various natural fats and oils.123
Major dietary sources of oleic acid include:
- Vegetable and Seed Oils: Olive oil, canola oil, palm oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, and high-oleic safflower oil.12
- Whole Foods: Avocados, as well as various nuts and seeds.2
Because oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid, it is often associated with health benefits, such as the ability to maintain HDL cholesterol levels when replacing saturated fats in the diet. Its high concentration in olive oil is frequently cited as a contributing factor to the cardiovascular health benefits observed in populations following a traditional Mediterranean diet.2