Scientifically proven effects of extra virgin olive oil

It has been repeatedly proven that extra virgin olive oil has an effect on prevention of cardiovascular diseases. With the rise in demand, it has become increasingly popular to write and talk about its health benefits. However, in the bulk of various data, it is difficult to choose what to believe. That is why we decided to point out the most important and scientifically confirmed effects of extra virgin olive oil on human health.

1. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES

Extra virgin olive oil has an excellent nutritional composition, the most important being polyphenols that, in addition to protecting the cardiovascular system, are also anti-inflammatory. The analgesic effect of polyphenols from EVOO is compared to that of Ibuprofen.

2. CANCER PREVENTION

Speaking of polyphenols, it is important to point out that it has been proven that they help reduce the risk of breast, skin, colon and prostate tumors. This important role of EVOO stems from the interplay of fatty acids (especially monounsaturated) and antioxidants that together help in the excretion of toxins from the body.

3. HELPS IN DIGESTION, PREVENTS DIABETES AND HELPS WITH WEIGHT LOSS

EVOO consumed as part of the Mediterranean diet has been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes. The latest research has shown that obesity rates in the Mediterranean countries (the highest rate of EVOO consumption in the world) are below 10%. EVOO improves digestion and metabolism in general, and it has been noted that the stomach tolerates EVOO the most out of all edible fats because it prevents the penetration of acidic contents from the stomach into the esophagus, thus preventing heartburn and inflammation of the esophagus.

Due to its unique chemical composition, olive oil does not cease to be the centre of numerous studies. New findings are regularly published and old claims about the benefits of extra virgin olive oil on human health are being confirmed. Therefore, the oil is justifiably called liquid gold, and for whatever reason you consume olive oil, this valuable food will certainly improve your diet.

(read more in  Extra virgin olive oil boosts longevity)

SOURCES

Corominas-Faja, Cuyàs, Lozano-Sánchez, Cufí, Verdura, Fernández-Arroyo, Borrás-Linares, Martin-Castillo, Martin, Lupu, Nonell-Canals, Sanchez-Martinez, Micol, Joven, Segura-Carretero, Menendez (2018) Extra-virgin olive oil contains a metabolo-epigenetic inhibitor of cancer stem cells, Carcinogenesis 39, pp. 601-613

Kastorini, C. M., Milionis, H. M., Esposito, K., Giugliano, D., Goudevenos, J.A., Panagiotakos, D.B. (2011) The Effect of Mediterranean Diet on Metabolic Syndrome and its Components, Journal of the American College of Cardiology 57, pp. 299-313

Mateljan G. (2015) The World’s Healthiest Foods: The Force For Change To Health-Promoting Foods and New Nutrient-Rich Cooking, 2nd ed, USA

Žanetić, M., Gugić, M. (2006) Zdrastvene vrijednosti maslinovog ulja, Pomologia Croatica 12

Pérez-Jiménez, Ruano, J., Perez-Martinez, P., Lopez-Segura, F., Lopez-Miranda, J. (2007) The influence of olive oil on human health: not a question of fat alone, Mol Nutr Food Res 51, pp. 1119-1208