Olive oil reduces the risk of cancer by a third!
There are many occasions where we have talked about the “power” of olive oil in the prevention of different types of cancer. Now, new research from the University of Athens links olive oil consumption to reducing the risk of suffering from any type of cancer by a third!
The work was based on a systematic review and meta-analysis between olive oil consumption and cancer risk. Thus, the search was carried out on the databases PubMed, EMBASE and Google Scholar (end of search: May 10, 2020). Subgroup, sensitivity and meta-regression analyzes were also performed.
45 studies were included in the meta-analysis, 37 were control cases (17,369 cases and 28,294 controls) and 8 were cohort studies (12,461 incident cases in a total cohort of 929,771 subjects). After the study, it was concluded that a higher consumption of olive oil is associated with a 31% lower risk of suffering cancer, either of the breast, gastrointestinal tract, upper aerodigestive tract and urinary tract.
With modern medicine many people are outliving their brains. So we want people to live longer, but we want them to be able to live longer and have their capacity of their brain and not go into that cognitive decline. There are many factors that go into brain health. Olive oil is one factor, but it tends to be in all the studies that we are seeing that are relative to increased brain health.
Extra virgin olive oil is a critical component of the Mediterranean diet, which studies show is heart healthy and may increase longevity. Regular intake of extra virgin olive oil also appears to improve chronic inflammation and possibly plays a role in the death of cancer cells.
Doctors recommend about 1-3 tablespoons per day. Some ideas include, spritzing it on toast for breakfast or drizzling it over salad. However you choose to consume it, extra virgin olive oil may do your body good. It’s actually very similar to looking at, a blueberry or looking at broccoli, anything that has abundant color, anything that’s a plant is going to help with cancer prevention and olive oil tends to have a very high capacity of anti-oxidants.
When choosing an extra virgin olive oil, look for a dark bottle and keep it tightly sealed once opened, as light and air can affect taste and quality. Always go with “extra virgin” and remember the fresher the oil, the better.
Sources: https://www.asajajaen.com/consuma-productos-de-jaen/el-aceite-de-oliva-reduce-en-un-tercio-el-riesgo-de-padecer-cancer, https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2022/09/28/health-benefits-of-extra-virgin-olive-oil/, ttps://smokymountainnews.com/lifestyle/rumble/item/34368-cathey-bolton-the-health-benefits-of-olive-oil
Benefits of olive oil
Packed with polyphenols, powerhouse antioxidants we obtain through plant-based foods. They boost heart health and immunity, and the fresher, more organic the olive oil, the higher the polyphenols.
Reduces risk of certain cancers
Several recent studies suggest that a component called oleocanthal, found in certain extra-virgin olive oils, kill human cancer cells with no obvious effect on normal cells. A peppery taste in the back of the throat is a good indication the olive oil you’re consuming is high in oleocanthal. Other cancer fighting properties in olive oil include oleic acid, hydroxytyrosol, phytosterols and squalene.
Supports positive mood
Several studies indicate that following a Mediterranean diet, which includes the consumption of high-quality olive oil, can help treat depression. Olive oil’s beneficial fats support the central nervous system which can increase levels of mood-supporting neurotransmitters.
Supports a healthy gut
The polyphenols in olive oil act like prebiotics in the gut, and because of its healthy fat content, it enhances the digestive tract’s nutrient absorption. Olive oil lubricates the gut, greatly helping with consistent elimination.
Helps balance blood sugar
Healthy fats are a key component when it comes to stabilizing blood sugar and preventing or managing type 2 diabetes. Contrary to what people once thought, olive oil does not contribute to weight gain. In fact, several studies have shown that it helped participants lose weight.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Olive oil is widely known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Monounsaturated fats have been shown to reduce levels of c-reactive protein, an inflammatory marker that’s shown to be elevated in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Further, oleocanthal has shown similar anti-inflammatory properties to ibuprofen.
Protects against heart disease
Olive oil is considered heart-healthy for many reasons. Oleic acid and various polyphenols are likely to thank for this health benefit of olive oil because they have an ability to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress and modify cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.
Olive oil has been called the OG of oils because it’s been around for thousands of years, not only as a staple for cooking but also for religious, cultural, cosmetic and health reasons. Also, if you’re a foodie don’t believe the myth that olive oil can’t reach a high temperature. In fact, it actually has a moderate-to-high smoke point of 350 to 410 degrees fahrenheit, and the better the quality, the more even the smoke point.
