Research shows evidence that extra virgin olive oil (evoo) brings a number of health benefits. The results of various studies suggest that thanks to high levels of biologically active substances extra virgin oil has the following effects:
Oncological diseases prevention
Reduces the likelihood of various types of oncological diseases (breast cancer, skin cancer, prostate cancer etc.). Natural antioxidants in oil are believed to reduce cellular damage caused by free radicals during oxidation: this harmful effect of free radicals is believed to be one of the main causes of some types of oncological diseases. It has also been observed that one of the polyphenols, oleocanthal, seems to trigger the breakdown of cancerous cells in the body without harming healthy cells.
Risk mitigation of heart attack and stroke
Supports vascular elasticity, improves blood circulation and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke, and help to regulate blood pressure. It has long been noted that people in the Mediterranean region rarely su”er from cardiovascular diseases. One of the main causes of this phenomenon is the so- called Mediterranean diet, where virgin cold-pressed olive oil is one of the staples. The polyphenols in it are believed to reduce blood cholesterol levels, prevent the oxidation of blood lipids, help maintain optimum blood fluidity and prevent thrombosis, whereas the monounsaturated fatty acids improve the elasticity of blood vessel walls and thus support blood circulation.
The effect on Alzheimer’s disease risk
Reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. In a few clinical studies, a reduction in symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease was observed when study participants regularly consumed cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil. The polyphenols contained in the oil are thought to prevent the formation of cellular plaques in the brain cells, those plaques are strongly linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Experiments with mice have shown that polyphenols are able to break down these plaques and could possibly not only halt the development of the disease, but also restore brain function.
Anti-inflammatory effect
Has anti-inflammatory ffect and inhibits the symptoms of joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Natural antioxidants, such as oleocanthal, play the key role, and their effects are very similar to those of the well-known anti-inflammatory drug Ibuprofen, commonly used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. There is evidence that the use of extra virgin cold- pressed olive oil reduces the likelihood of developing rheumatoid arthritis as much as 2.5 times.
Risk mitigation of type 2 diabetes
Reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. According to a study conducted in Spain, the results of which were published in Diabetes Care, a diet rich in extra virgin olive oil reduces the risk of second type diabetes by as much as 50% compared to other diets lacking the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids needed by the human body. Type 2 diabetes is not only the most common form of diabetes, but also the easiest to prevent.
Parkinson’s disease prevention
Prevents Parkinson’s disease. Due to their strong antioxidant effect, polyphenols prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. Laboratory tests have shown that polyphenols can stop the development of the disease and even restore the function of cells that have already been damaged.
