Swapping Vegetable Oils For Extra Virgin Olive Oil Best To Reduce Inflammation
Updated June 5th, 2023
Contents:
- Report Lists Extra Virgin Olive Oil As Top Swap To Reduce Inflammation
- Anti-Inflammatory Qualities Of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Can Olive Oil Reduce Disease Progression?
- Mediterranean Diet And Lower Covid-19 Risk Says New Study
- The Role Of The Best Olive Oil In Anti-Inflammatory Mediterranean Diet
- Mediterranean Diet And Covid-19
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Polyphenols and Long Covid
- Polyphenols in Morocco Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Why Extra Virgin Olive Oil Benefits Your Immune System
Report Lists Extra Virgin Olive Oil As Top Swap To Reduce Inflammation
The report, from Clean Plates, credits swapping vegetable oil for extra virgin olive oil as having the potential to reduce inflammation in the body due to the powerful antioxidants it contains. As the article states:
Enhance your cooking oil of choice by substituting vegetable oils such as corn, soybean, and sunflower oils with extra virgin olive oil. Unlike vegetable oils, which have the potential to promote inflammation, extra virgin olive oil is a nutrient-rich option that offers numerous benefits for your health.
“Extra virgin olive oil stands out for its abundance of health benefits, including its impact on inflammation,” says Pam Hartnett, MPH, RDN, cancer coach, nutrition writer, owner of The Vitality Dietitians. “It is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy fats that help reduce inflammation in the body. What sets extra virgin olive oil apart is its powerful antioxidants, such as oleocanthal. This unique compound has been shown to possess strong anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen, according to this 2014 study in the International Journal of Molecular Science. Consuming extra virgin olive oil regularly has been linked to a decrease in markers of inflammation within the body, promoting better overall health.”
The article goes on to list the additional foods as also having the most effective anti-inflammatory properties:
- Swap pretzels for nuts
- Swap your second coffee for tea
- Swap soda for smoothies
- Swap your smoothie filler with kefir
- Swap grilled meats for fish
- Swap refined grains for whole grains
- Swap iceberg lettuce for spinach
- Swap mayo for avocado
Making dietary choices that support an anti-inflammatory effect, engaging in regular exercise, and effectively managing stress are all important steps. By reducing inflammation, we can potentially lower the risk of heart disease, enhance memory function, and improve digestion.
Anti-Inflammatory Qualities Of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is well-known for its numerous health benefits, and its anti-inflammatory properties top the list. Research has found that the oleic acid in extra virgin olive oil works against inflammation, which is linked to several chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and obesity. In addition, extra virgin olive oil contains a host of antioxidants, which neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative stress in the body. These antioxidants include polyphenols, tocopherols, and carotenoids, which are associated with reduced inflammation and improved immune function. Incorporating extra virgin olive oil into your diet can be an easy way to support overall health and well-being.
Can Olive Oil Reduce Disease Progression?
Olive oil consumption may be advantageous for various chronic non-communicable diseases, as well as COVID-19, according to recent research.
Evidence suggests that olive oil’s constituents are having potent anti-inflammatory activities and could restrict the progression of various inflammation-linked diseases ranging from arthritis to cancer.
According to a study reported on Pubmed, the consumption of olive oil stands out as the key feature of The Mediterranean Diet linked with the prevention of degenerative diseases and extended longevity.
The Study states:
Olive oil rich in various bioactive compounds like oleanolic acid, oleuropein, oleocanthal, and hydroxytyrosol is known for its anti-inflammatory as well as cardioprotective property.
Pubmed
It goes on to say:
Olive oil consumption was found to be advantageous for various chronic non-communicable diseases. Olive oil’s constituents are having potent anti-inflammatory activities and thus restrict the progression of various inflammation-linked diseases ranging from arthritis to cancer.
Pubmed
Why Polyphenols In Extra Virgin Olive Oil Are Important
Polyphenol rich olive oil fights inflammation in the body and can regulate muscle damage or chemicals that cause inflammation. As inflammation is related to various other diseases, polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil help to fight these diseases including cardiovascular problems.
According to the study, the presence of polyphenols in olive oil are a vital contributing factor to its potential for disease prevention.
It states: the simple way of processing olive oil is to maintain the polyphenol constituents, whichprovide the protection against noncommunicable diseases and SARS-CoV-2.
The high polyphenol content of Morocco Gold extra virgin olive oil is dependent on three factors. First is the variety of the olive, secondly the climate and terroire of the growing region and thirdly the actual time in the growing season that the crop is harvested.
Morocco Gold is pressed from the Picholine Marocaine, the only type of olive to go into Morocco Gold. Oil from this variety is renowned for it’s high polyphenol count, oxidative stability and longevity.
Our olives are grown in a valley that is about 2,000 feet above sea level. This helps to create the additional climatic challenges that encourage polyphenol uptake within the olive tree. It is also an area with naturally occurring high phenols in the soil itself.
Mediterranean Diet And Lower Covid-19 Risk Says New Study
New Research has further supported the understanding that anti-inflammatory diets such as The Mediterranean Diet can reduce the severity of Coronovirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). According to a review of research published in the journal Diseases , anti-inflammatory diets – such as the olive oil rich Mediterranean Diet– are understood to prevent hyperactivation of the immune system, known as a cytokine storm.
According to a report in news-medical.net, the studies selected in the review focused on some critical anti-inflammatory dietary components, including vitamins C and D, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as the Mediterranean diet.
The Role Of The Best Olive Oil In Anti-Inflammatory Mediterranean Diet
Reporting for New Medical, Dr Sanchari Sinha Dutta, Ph. D explains:
The Mediterranean diet, comprised of vegetables and fruits, legumes, fish, and extra virgin olive oil, is known to have potent anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-thrombotic properties. It is well-documented that the Mediterranean diet is highly effective in managing cardiovascular, pulmonary, and metabolic diseases.
Mediterranean Diet And Covid-19
People who follow a Mediterranean-style diet have a reduced risk of contracting Covid-19 and are less likely to suffer a sever case if infected, a major new study has claimed.
According to research from Harvard, King’s College London and research company ZOE, participants who ate the highest quality diets, full of vegetables, grains, nuts and extra virgin olive oil, were 10% less likely to get COVID-19.
And, of the 592,571 adults involved in the study, those following the healthiest diets were shown to be 40% less likely to become severely ill from the disease than people who followed less nutritional eating habits.
According to the COVID Symptom Study, a high quality, plant-based diet (including oily fish and fewer highly processed foods) is associated with a healthier gut microbiome and overall heart and metabolic health.
The report offers 7 key tips to improve your diet and reduce your chance of becoming ill from COVID-19. Among those is;
Choose healthier fats
Fat has a bad reputation, but it is an important part of a healthy diet. Omega-3 fats, found in fish and other seafood, nuts, seed and plant oils, support the immune system and heart health. “Oily fish, such as salmon and trout, are some of the best sources of omega-3 fats,” Emily explains. “If you don’t eat fish, you can also get omega-3 from plant sources like flax seeds and walnuts, although they’re slightly harder for our bodies to take up.”
Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Polyphenols and Long Covid
The research comes hot on the heels of a new clinical trial, which will explore links between the polyphenols in Extra Virgin Olive Oil and the easing of long Covid symptoms.
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.
The 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
Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Cytokines
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.
Why Extra Virgin Olive Oil Benefits Your Immune System
Regular consumption of extra virgin olive oil as part of a balanced Mediterranean Diet is one of eight recommended steps to help support a healthy immune system. But why, exactly, does the best quality extra virgin olive oil have such a powerful effect on our immune system?
According to Ahmad Alkhatib, a researcher at Teesside University Center for Public Health:
“Olive oil, especially extra virgin olive oil, contains monounsaturated fatty acids and several polyphenols including oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol. These have several antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, which can be linked with significant antiviral and antibacterial potential.”
“Oleuropein has shown potential antiviral activity against the respiratory syncytial virus, a common upper respiratory infection virus. This effect has been attributed to the antioxidative property of elenolic acid, the main fragment in oleuropein.”
Ahmad Alkhatib
Extra virgin olive oil is identified as one of the key foods in the Mediterranean diet with excellent antiviral superpowers. Vegetables, fish, nuts, herbs and seeds are all known to produce similar effects. This is due to the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, sterols and unsaturated fatty acids – all of which contribute to these powerful properties.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil To Fight Inflammation
Morocco Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oil For Inflammation
Polyphenol rich olive oil fights inflammation in the body and can regulate muscle damage or chemicals that cause inflammation. As inflammation is related to various other diseases, polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil help to fight these diseases including cardiovascular problems.
Inflammation is a natural response to potential dangers and damage to organs in our body, however it can become self-perpetuating leading to long-term problems.
There are 2 types of inflammatory diseases, acute and chronic.
Poor diet can contribute to long-term chronic inflammatory diseases.
A healthy diet, like the Mediterranean diet, including extra virgin olive oil like Morocco Gold can help combat inflammatory diseases.
The polyphenols Oleouropein Aglycone and Oleocanthal within extra virgin olive oil help to combat inflammatory diseases. Morocco Gold extra virgin olive oil is rich in both polyphenols.
Inflammation is a critical response to potential danger signals and damage in organs in our body. In diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and others, the immune system turns against the bodies’ organs. These painful and, in some cases, progressively debilitating conditions can take a toll on people’s quality of life and create both societal and economic burdens.
The inflammatory process in the body serves an important function in the control and repair of injury. Commonly referred to as the inflammatory cascade, or simply inflammation, it can take two basic forms, acute and chronic. Acute inflammation, part of the immune response, is the body’s immediate response to injury or assault due to physical trauma, infection, stress, or a combination of all three. Acute inflammation helps to prevent further injury and facilitates the healing and recovery process.
When inflammation becomes self-perpetuating however, it can result in chronic or long-term inflammation. This is known as chronic inflammation, and lasts beyond the actual injury, sometimes for months or even years. It can become a problem itself and require medical intervention to control or stop further inflammation-mediated damage.
Chronic inflammation can affect any and all parts of the body. Inflammation can also be a secondary component of many diseases. For example, in atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries where, chronic inflammation of blood vessel walls can result in plaque build-up in the arteries, arterial or vascular blockages, and heart disease. Chronic inflammation also plays a significant role in other diseases and conditions including chronic pain, poor sleep quality, obesity, physical impairment, and overall decreased quality of life.
