Monounsaturated fat

Definition

Monounsaturated fats are a class of fats whose fatty acid structures contain a single double bond between the carbons that are part of their molecular structure.  

Health considerations

The Mediterranean Diet is considered to be high in monounsaturated fatty acids. It is generally associated with improved health outcomes, though there are evidently more factors at play than monounsaturated fat intake. Studies have suggested diets high in monounsaturated acids may improve blood sugar control, triglycerides and cholesterol levels in both type I and type II diabetic patients. Non-diabetic patients have also seen improvements in cholesterol profiles with monounsaturated fat intake.

May be found in

Olive oil, avocados, whole milk, red meat, macadamia nuts, almonds, cashews, pecans, tallow (beef fat), olives

References

New England Journal of Medicine 
New England Journal of Medicine 2
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition