How Extra Virgin Olive Oil Wards Off Aging Diseases
Updated 26th July 2024
Summary
- A quality extra virgin olive oil is a great choice for the loved ones in your family.
- As well as great taste extra virgin olive oil offers numerous health benefits.
Contents
Want to choose a gift for the much-loved grandparent or senior in your life that helps to protect their health? Then look no further than a quality extra virgin olive oil.
The list of health conditions that the best olive oils can help prevent is ever-growing, with many of them—such as osteoarthritis and dementia—being more likely to affect our older relatives. Research indicates that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of olive oil play a significant role in preventing heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer. Additionally, olive oil has been shown to improve cognitive function, support weight management, and promote a healthier gut microbiome, making it a valuable addition to the diet for individuals of all ages.
So, if you’re still searching for the perfect gift for those at the head of the family to open around the tree, why not opt for a bottle of cold-pressed, single source extra virgin olive oil.
How Extra Virgin Olive Oil Can Reduce Risk Of Age Related Disease
Many of us recognize the superior taste of genuine Moroccan extra virgin olive oil compared to unauthentic products on the market, but did you know it also offers numerous health benefits? Its rich, fruity flavor not only enhances the taste of your dishes but also provides a wealth of antioxidants and healthy fats. These nutrients contribute to heart health, reduce inflammation, and support overall well-being. Incorporating Moroccan extra virgin olive oil into your diet can help lower cholesterol levels, improve digestion, and even boost brain function.
Domenico Pratico, director of the Alzheimer’s Center at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine (LKSOM) at Temple University, recently spoke out about how having two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil a day could be effective in warding off Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular diseases, and other age-related conditions.
The scientist and his team released a study in Aging Cell that showed the oil can defend against a certain type of mental decline when tested in mice, by clearing out the damaged and toxic cells that accumulate as we age.
Speaking with Philly Mag, Mr Pratico noted previous studies have been conducted that have shown extra virgin olive oil can preserve memory and protect the brain against cognitive decline.
He observed:
“For the people with the extra virgin olive oil, their cognitive markers showed no change and for the people without it, those markers were going up, showing progression towards cognitive decline. Their brains were ageing at a much faster pace.”
His study looked more closely at whether extra virgin olive oil could influence the progression of Alzheimer’s phenotype and how.
Mr Pratico stated:
“Extra virgin olive oil is a natural activator of autophagy, the body’s way of cleaning out damaged cells… For us, that’s a very big breakthrough from our study.”
Quality Matters When Choosing Extra Virgin Olive Oil For Health
The researcher went on to advise consumers who want to increase their extra olive oil intake to buy pure versions, as the product used in the study “comes directly from the tree”.
He noted that extra virgin olive oil is superior, as it has been extracted from the first press of the olive, instead of heated or treated with chemicals to encourage more oil to be squeezed out of the fruit.
The scientist also recommended that for maximum benefit these two tablespoons are eaten at room temperature and not heated up.
“The moment you cook the oil, because of the temperature, you change the composition,” Mr Pratico noted, adding: “You must eat it the way it is.”
One of the tastiest ways to do this is by dressing your salad in extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, so you can gain the health benefits while still enjoying a delicious meal.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The Most Versatile Of Foodie Gifts For Seniors
It is not just salads that taste delightful with some extra virgin olive oil drizzled on top, as desserts, such as thyme cake with figs and black pepper; pasta dishes like penne with pine nuts and Romano cheese; and starters, including sautéed calamari with garlic and extra virgin olive oil, are all scrumptious too.
In addition to enhancing cognitive health, especially in the aging population, extra virgin olive oil has been linked to reducing inflammation, boosting bone health, lowering blood pressure, and maintaining digestive health. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help alleviate symptoms of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. The polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil contribute to bone density, making it beneficial in preventing osteoporosis. Regular consumption can also help maintain stable blood pressure levels, reducing the risk of hypertension. Furthermore, its natural compounds promote a healthy gut, ensuring efficient digestion and optimal nutrient absorption.
Want to read more about how extra virgin olive oil may contribute to a long and healthy life?
According to a report in The Olive Oil Times, the new research explains that – in one of the Longevity Blue Zones (areas where an unusual number of people live exceptionally long lives) – specific eating habits in addition to extensive daily physical activities have ‘outrun genetics’ as a longevity factor.