Oleic acid is one of the chief fatty acids occurring naturally in Neem oil as fats and oils. It is an odorless, colorless oil, although commercial samples may be yellowish. Oleic acid ranges from 25% to 58% in Natural Pure Organic Neem Oil.
Uses of Oleic Acid
Oleic acid is a mono-unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid found in Neem oil as well as various animal and vegetable sources.
- Triglyceride esters of oleic acid comprise the majority of olive oil.
- Oleic acid is used as an excipient in pharmaceuticals and as an emulsifying or solubilizing agent in aerosol products.
- It may hinder the progression of adrenoleukodystrophy, a fatal disease that affects the brain and adrenal glands, and it may help boost memory.
- Oleic acid may also be responsible for the hypotensive (or blood pressure reducing) effects of olive oil.
Health effects of Oleic Acid in Neem Oil
Oleic acid is a common monounsaturated fat in human diet. Monounsaturated fat consumption has been associated with decreased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and possibly increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
However, its ability to raise HDL is still debated.
Oleic acid may be responsible for the hypotensive (blood pressure reducing) effects of olive oil. Adverse effects also have been documented, however, since both oleic and monounsaturated fatty acid levels in the membranes of red blood cells have been associated with increased risk of breast cancer, although the consumption of oleate in olive oil has been associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer.
