Which fatty acid is primarily found in olive oil?

The fatty acid primarily found in olive oil is oleic acid. Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid that constitutes a significant portion of the total fat content in olive oil, often accounting for 55 to 83 percent of the oil. This particular fatty acid is known for its health benefits, including its ability to reduce inflammation and its positive effects on heart health.

In addition to oleic acid, olive oil also contains other fatty acids, but they are present in smaller amounts. For example, stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid found in animal fats and some plant oils, and it is not predominant in olive oil. Linoleic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid, while linolenic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid; both are more commonly found in various seeds, nuts, and some vegetable oils, rather than in significant amounts in olive oil. Therefore, oleic acid is the definitive answer when identifying the primary fatty acid in olive oil.