Studies have shown that substituting dietary monounsaturated fat for saturated fat is associated with increased daily physical activity and resting energy expenditure. More physical activity was associated with a higher-oleic acid diet than one of a
palmitic acid diet. From the study, it is shown that more monounsaturated fats lead to less anger and irritability. Foods containing monounsaturated fats may affect
low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and
high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Levels of
oleic acid along with other monounsaturated fatty acids in red blood cell membranes were positively associated with
breast cancer risk. The
saturation index (SI) of the same membranes was inversely associated with breast cancer risk. Monounsaturated fats and low SI in erythrocyte membranes are predictors of postmenopausal breast cancer. Both of these variables depend on the activity of the enzyme
delta-9 desaturase (Δ9-d). In children, consumption of monounsaturated oils is associated with healthier serum lipid profiles. The
Mediterranean diet is one heavily influenced by monounsaturated fats. In the late 20th century, people in Mediterranean countries consumed more total fat than Northern European countries, but most of the fat was in the form of monounsaturated fatty acids from olive oil and omega-3 fatty acids from fish, vegetables, and certain meats like lamb, while consumption of saturated fat was minimal in comparison. A 2017 review found evidence that the practice of a Mediterranean diet could lead to a decreased risk of
cardiovascular diseases, overall
cancer incidence,
neurodegenerative diseases,
diabetes, and
early death. A 2018 review showed that the practice of the Mediterranean diet may improve overall health status, such as the reduced risk of non-communicable diseases. It also may reduce the social and economic costs of diet-related illnesses.
Diabetes Increasing monounsaturated fat and decreasing saturated fat intake could improve insulin sensitivity, but only when the overall fat intake of the diet was low. However, some monounsaturated fatty acids (in the same way as saturated fats) may promote
insulin resistance, whereas polyunsaturated fatty acids may be protective against insulin resistance. == Sources ==