You’ve likely heard of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and their numerous benefits for the body and mind. But what about omega-7s? This often-overlooked fatty acid possesses its own important benefits.
One of the most important of these is the ability to improve the health and appearance of your hair, skin, and nails. Below, we’ve outlined exactly how omega-7 works, but first, let’s define what it is.
What Is Omega-7 and What Are Fatty Acids?
Omega-7 is an essential fatty acid that is also called palmitoleic acid. It provides numerous benefits to the body, including alleviating depression, reducing inflammation, lowering bad cholesterol levels, and even reducing the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Of course, in the case of omega-7, there are also key benefits for the hair, skin, and nails.
The Hair, Skin, and Nails Benefits of Omega-7
• It is an essential creator of collagen
Omega-7 is a catalyst for creating collagen in your body, and collagen is something that we all need for smooth, glowing skin. Young people possess collagen in high amounts, and it accounts for the plump, youthful qualities of their skin. As we get older, however, we tend to create less collagen, and this accounts for the increased wrinkles and fine lines.
• It’s ultra-moisturizing
Your hair, skin, and nails needs moisture to look smooth and glowing, and omega-7 provides this. On your head, the moisture positively affects the roots of your hair, and this is great for growing long, healthy locks.
Your nails must also have the moisture provided by omega-7 fatty acids in order to grow healthy and stay strong and stable. Additionally, omega-7 is great for providing moisture to the skin and around the cuticles. It can be applied topically or taken in supplement form.
• It provides sun protection and repairs sun damage
The most harmful rays of the sun are UVA and UVB. UVA rays tend to cause lasting sun damage, and UVB rays tend to cause sunburn and age spots. Fortunately, an omega-7 fatty acid supplement can fix damage caused by the sun and provide lasting protection from further harm.
• It can help improve acne and blackheads
Omega-7 is especially prevalent in sea buckthorn oil, which can be applied topically. When used on the skin, this oil provides immense moisture as well as exfoliation, and it helps prevent acne.
Many effective topical acne treatments tend to dry out the skin, but the sea buckthorn oil does just the opposite by delivering intense hydration right to your skin.
How to Get More Omega-7 in Your Diet
A great source of omega-7 is full-fat dairy products like whole milk, full-fat cheese, and full-fat yogurt. Remember that non-fat dairy products will not contain enough of it.
If you’re a vegetarian or a vegan who doesn’t consume animal-based products like milk, yogurt, and cheese, don’t worry. Sea buckthorn is a plant that usually grows naturally in high-salt locations. For example, you’ll find it in desert areas and along the shore. Macadamia nuts can also be a good source of omega-7.
On the other hand, it’s difficult to know exactly how much omega-7 you’re getting in your diet on a daily basis. You may eat macadamia nuts, drink a few glasses of milk, and eat pieces of cheese one day, but this might not be sustainable.
In this case, the best thing to do is to take an omega-7 fatty acid supplement. With the right supplement, you can provide yourself with the perfect amount of omega-7, and you’ll be sure you’re getting that same dosage every day.
Try an omega-7 fatty acid supplement, and see what it can do for your hair, skin, and nails. You should see positive results in a matter of weeks!