How Extra Virgin Olive Oil Can Keep Us Healthier In Later Life
Updated 26th January 2024
Summary:
- Extra virgin olive oil has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including the prevention of age-related diseases. Extra virgin olive oil is packed with antioxidants, which can help to protect your cells from damage and prevent age-related diseases.
- Studies have found that people who consume a Mediterranean diet rich in extra virgin olive oil have a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Contents:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil : A medicine As Well As A Foodstuff
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil And Pain Management
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil And Fasting: A Study
- The Importance Of The Mediterranean Diet And Exercise Combined
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil And Reduced Risk Of Heart Disease
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A Medicine As Well As A Foodstuff
Extra virgin olive oil has been praised as one of the best oils for a healthy lifestyle, but is it just a foodstuff or can it also be considered a medicine? The truth is that extra virgin olive oil is both. This highest quality olive oil is full of polyphenols that are known to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, incredibly important particularly in later life.
The benefits that come with consuming extra virgin olive oil daily are endless, from improving heart health to promoting brain function. Incorporating this amazing oil into your diet can not only enhance your meal’s flavor but also provide countless health benefits, making it a wonderful foodstuff and medicine.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil And Pain Management
Another study found that extra virgin olive oil can help to improve cognitive function in older adults. Extra virgin olive oil also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
In addition, extra virgin olive oil also helps to protect against cell damage and boost the immune system. As a result, it is no surprise that this healthy oil is a staple of the Mediterranean diet, which has been associated with a lower risk of age-related diseases. If you’re looking to improve your health and prevent age-related diseases, then adding extra virgin olive oil to your diet is a great place to start.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil And Fasting
A study has shown that Extra Virgin olive oil like Morocco Gold is the secret Mediterranean ingredient that can extend life and delay age-related diseases when combined with fasting
Scientists at the University of Minnesota Medical School’s Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics revealed their findings in Molecular Cell.
It had been previously believed red wine was the reason for long life and good health among those living in the Mediterranean, thanks to its compound resveratrol that activates a pathway in cells for a positive influence on the body. However, lead author of the study Professor Doug Mashek has proved otherwise.
During his research, which has been published in Science Daily, he discovered that the fat in Extra Virgin olive oil is actually the ingredient that activates this pathway instead.
The Importance Of The Mediterranean Diet And Exercise Combined
Exercise is another important factor in maintaining good health. Regular exercise has been shown to improve mental health, increase lifespan and protect against age-related diseases such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, exercise can help to improve blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. For these reasons, it is important to combine the Mediterranean Diet with regular exercise in order to achieve the best possible health benefits.
However, having a diet rich in premium olive oil only goes so far to improve health, according to the researchers.
For maximum benefits, it needs to be coupled with limiting caloric intake and exercising.
Mr Mashek stated: “We found that the way this fat works is it first has to get stored in microscopic things called lipid droplets, which is how our cells store fat. And then, when the fat is broken down during exercising or fasting, for example, is when the signalling and beneficial effects are realised.”
Therefore, fasting or taking part in physical activity is essential to make the most of Extra Virgin olive oil’s health benefits.
These findings could encourage more people around the world – and not just those living in the Mediterranean – to increase their olive oil intake by including it in their recipes and using it to cook with.
“We want to understand the biology, and then translate it to humans, hopefully changing the paradigm of healthcare from someone going to eight different doctors to treat his or her eight different disorders,” he commented, adding: “These are all aging-related diseases, so let’s treat aging.”
Over the years, there have been several studies that have concluded extra virgin olive oil has numerous health benefits.
This is predominantly due to its phytonutrients, including polyphenols, which are found in olive oil in abundance. This antioxidant neutralises free radicals, helping to protect the body against harm.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil And Reduced Risk Of Heart Disease
As a result, research has shown links between Extra Virgin olive oil and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, good digestive health, reduction in blood pressure, healthy cholesterol levels, lessening the severity of osteoporosis, and preventing the onset of diabetes.
It can also be used as an anti-inflammatory, while animal studies have shown a connection between olive oil and the prevention of some cancers.
While more research needs to be conducted to prove this link, the European Food Safety Agency has confirmed health claims for extra virgin olive oils that contain more than 250mg/kg of polyphenol.
So get drizzling it on your salad, baking with it, or adding it to your roast potatoes today!
