Is Extra Virgin Olive Oil The Best Anti-Inflammatory Food In Your Cupboard?

Why The Best Olive Oil – Extra Virgin Olive Oil Can Reduce Some Of Most Common Diseases Associated With Inflammation.

^{Updated February 1st 2022}

SUMMARY:

• Extra virgin olive oil has been demonstrated to have anti-inflamatory properties
• This is due to the presence of polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil
• Polyphenol Oleuropean Aglycone is a key anti-inflamatory polyphenol in extra virgin olive oil
• Oleuropean Aglycone is present in Morocco Gold extra virgin olive oil
• The anti-inflammatory health benefits can be achieved with as little as one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil per day.

CONTENTS:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Inflammation
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil As An Anti-inflammatory
• Health Benefits Of Polyphenol Oleuropein In Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Polyphenols And Long Covid Symptoms
• Polyphenols in Morocco Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Morocco Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Cytokines and Covid- 19
• Always Read The Label On Your Extra Virgin Olive Oil Carefully

Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Inflammation

One of the best extra virgin olive oils in the cupboard is extra virgin olive oil, a health-promoting liquid gold that adds flavour, nutrition and wellbeing to your everyday cooking. It has long been known for its anti-inflammatory properties as well as its ability to reduce the risk of common diseases associated with inflammation.

This health benefit can be attributed to extra virgin olive oil’s high levels of polyphenols, which are naturally occurring antioxidants found in extra virgin olives. These polyphenols combat free radicals responsible for many internal physiological processes linked to chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

Additional research suggests extra virgin olive oil’s fatty acid content may support colon and gut health, making it even more sought after as beneficial dietary supplement.

When it comes to selecting extra virgin olive oil, know what you are looking for; make sure that it is 100% pure extra-virgin grade, since anything less might not offer the same health benefits due to added or reduced quality ingredients or intensifying manufacturing methods used. All these features make extra virgin olive oil an ideal choice for those seeking an anti-inflammatory food source that delivers within when added to your daily diet plan.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil As An Anti-inflammatory

The anti-inflammatory properties of extra virgin olive oil have been proven to reduce inflammation and a range of debilitating diseases associated with it.  These include heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer’s and Crohn’s disease.

The best extra virgin olive oils such as Morocco Gold are a rich source of Polyphenols – compounds with a range of health-boosting powers including antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Importantly, the anti-inflammatory benefits of extra virgin olive oil do not depend on large levels of intake. In most studies, these benefits become statistically significant with as little as one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil per day.

There are a number of different types of polyphenols in Extra Virgin olive oil, including oleuropein, tyrosol, hydroxytyrosol, oleocanthal and oleacein.  

Oleuropein is a natural phenolic compound found in olive leaves and green olives, including the olive’s skin and flesh, from which olive oil is transferred. It causes the bitter taste in extra virgin olive oil.

Health Benefits Of Polyphenol Oleuropein In Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Oleuropein health benefits include anti-oxidant and natural anti-inflammatory activity, low blood glucose values and free radicals removal. In addition, oleuropein has been linked to cardioprotective and neuroprotective activity.

Oleuropein belongs to a group of coumarin derivative called secoiridoids. It was found to be effective against various strains of bacteria, viruses, fungi and also moulds or even parasites. Oral treatment with oleuropein results in a decreased number of blood vessels proving strong anti-angiogenic properties. Phenolic compounds (oleuropein, protocatechuic acid) in extra virgin olive oil have also been shown to inhibit macrophage-mediated LDL oxidation. Leaf and olive fruit extracts containing oleuropein protect insulin-producing β-cell line (INS-1) against the deleterious effect of cytokines.

The concentration of Oleuropein aglycone in this year’s harvest of Morocco Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oil is 71 mg/kg. OA is derived from the de-glycosylation of oleuropein that exists in the leaves and stones of the olive fruit during the maturation period and is obtained during the pressing of the olives.

Inflammation is a complex immune response to pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants, and enables during infection or injury. Pain from inflammation is something most people experience at some point in their lives and a common daily occurrence for many people with arthritis. OA plays an anti-inflammatory role during chronic inflammation and improves tissue damage associated with collagen-induced arthritis.

In addition, OA may be responsible for inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. COX is an enzyme that forms prostanoids, prostaglandins, prostacyclins, and thromboxanes, which are all contributors to the inflammatory response. Therefore, OA can play an effective role in anti-inflammatory activities.

Source: www.sciencedirect.com

Polyphenols And Long Covid Symptoms

Patients suffering from the symptoms of Long Covid are involved in a new trial of a supplement made from polyphenols from olives and flavonoids from oranges. The clinical trial, which is being conducted by the Regional University of Malaga, will explore how polyphenols – present in extra virgin olive oil – could alleviate the symptoms of Long Covid – due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

According to a report in Olive Oil Times, the Endothelyx 45 supplement will be given to patients who have passed the acute phase of the disease but continue to struggle with symptoms such as chronic fatigue, joint pain and memory loss.

Polyphenols in Morocco Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oil

As reported, the research aims to study the effects of the supplement on endothelial cells, which are found in the inner lining of the arteries and play a key role in cardiovascular health.

Emerging scientific knowledge research suggests that Covid-19 attacks the body by causing inflammation and oxidative stress in the endothelial cells.  Polyphenols – which are powerful compounds present in high numbers in quality extra virgin olive oils such as Morocco Gold – act as an antioxidant, minimizing free radicals in the body. Antioxidants affect the human health in various way from improving body functions and digestion to skincare. Antioxidants can also fight off cell damage in the body, enhancing the body’s capability to fight off any diseases.

These polyphenols have been linked with helping to prevent the development of several diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative diseases.

The Olive Oil Times also reports a separate trial being carried out by the University Hospital of Jaén, in which another food supplement containing polyphenols from olives is being administered to patients with mild or moderate Covid-19 symptoms to study its efficacy in preventing the illness from progressing to the acute stages.

Morocco Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Cytokines and Covid- 19

As reported in the Olive Oil Times , extra virgin olive oil has been shown to reduce levels of cytokine in the body, which in turn can reduce both the symptoms associated with COVID-19 and their severity. Cytokines are small proteins that are crucial in controlling the growth and activity of other immune system cells and blood cells. When released, they signal the immune system to do its job. Cytokines affect the growth of all blood cells and other cells that help the body’s immune and inflammation responses.

Although cytokines are an important component of our immune system, too many of these can lead to what is known as a ‘cytokine storm’.  This is essentially an overreaction of our immune system which can have a seriously detrimental impact on COVID-19 sufferers and, in some cases, lead to fatality. This is because cytokine storms reduce the amount of oxygen circulating in our blood, causing fluid build-up in the lungs and lead to life-threatening breathing difficulties.

What Other Foods Have Anti-inflammatory Properties Like Extra Virgin Olive Oil?

According to a 2015 research report, one of the most important considerations for enjoying the benefits of an anti-inflammatory diet is in reducing your intake of pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids  (which are found in many vegetable oils) while increasing your intake of anti-inflammatory omega- 3 fatty acids (Found in oily fish, seeds and extra virgin olive oil).

Here is a list from Harvard Health of foods to prioritize and some to limit to reduce the potential inflammatory effect on your body:

Foods that cause inflammation

1. Refined Carbohydrates, such as white bread and pastries
2. French Fries and other fried food
3. Soda, and other sugar-sweetened beverages
4. Red meat and processed meat
5. Margarine and lard

Anti-Inflammatory Foods

1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2. Tomatoes
3. Green Leafy Vegetables, such as spinach, kale
4. Nuts, like almonds and walnuts
5. Fatty fish, like salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines
6. Fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries and oranges

“Many experimental studies have shown that components of foods or beverages may have anti-inflammatory effects,” says Dr. Frank Hu, professor of nutrition and epidemiology in the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health.

“Some of the foods that have been associated with an increased risk for chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease are also associated with excess inflammation,” Dr. Hu says. “It’s not surprising, since inflammation is an important underlying mechanism for the development of these diseases.”

“Some of the food components or ingredients may have independent effects on inflammation over and above increased caloric intake,” Dr. Hu says, adding:

 “A healthy diet is beneficial not only for reducing the risk of chronic diseases, but also for improving mood and overall quality of life.”

Always Read The Label On Your Extra Virgin Olive Oil Carefully

So, be careful when you are choosing your olive oil.  The label is a hallmark of the quality and grade of any reputable extra virgin olive oil.  Our aim to re-establish consumer trust and confidence in extra virgin olive oil as ‘the original superfood’ through setting a new standard for authenticity, traceability and the guarantee of extra virgin olive oil quality with the information included on our labelling.  In particular, we include the results of our annual harvest analysis on each and every bottle of Morocco Gold extra virgin olive oil so our customers can see at a glance the quality of our oil.