Monounsaturated fatty acids(MUFAs) are liquid at room temperature and are found mainly in vegetable oils (especially extra virgin olive oil), nuts, avocados and olives.

As part of a healthy diet, monounsaturated fats can help reduce cholesterol levels and may also reduce blood clot formation.

These heart healthy-fats-a staple in the Mediterranean diet- have also been found to stabilize blood sugar and reduce the risk of diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

References

Riccardi G, Giacco R, Rivellese AA.Dietary fat, insulin sensitivity and the metabolic syndrome.Clin Nutr. 2004 Aug;23(4):447-56.Ros E. Dietary cis-monounsaturated fatty acids and metabolic control in type 2 diabetes. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2003;78(3):617S-625S.FDA allows qualified health claim to decrease risk of coronary heart disease. FDA news release, November 1, 2004. Willett WC.The Mediterranean diet: science and practice.Public Health Nutr. 2006 Feb;9(1A):105-10.Esposito K, Marfella R, Ciotola M, Di Palo C, Giugliano F, Giugliano G, D`Armiento M, D`Andrea F, Giugliano D.Effect of a mediterranean-style diet on endothelial dysfunction and markers of vascular inflammation in the metabolic syndrome: a randomized trial.JAMA. 2004 Sep 22;292(12):1440-6.