Olive oil, an integral part of the Mediterranean Diet.Oleomania: source of health and longevity.
Since antiquity, olive oil has always been associated with well-being. It is considered to be as an integral part of the Mediterranean diet as well as a source of health and longevity.
In recent years, with the aid of scientific progress, we have been able to realize the full range of the beneficial health properties of olive oil, as well as to identify the chemical compounds responsible for these benefits.
These compounds are polyphenols, most important of which are hydroxytyrosol and its derivatives, oleocanthal, oleasin and tyrosol.
A number of chemical and clinical studies have shown that these compounds and, by extension, the olive oils containing them have the following health benefits :
Cardiovascular diseases &
Antioxidant activity
High phenolic EVOOs help reduce the “bad” LDL cholesterol levels in our blood circulation, protecting the blood lipids from oxidative stress and reducing the danger of heart attacks and strokes.
Anti-inflammatory activity
Oleocanthal acts in the same way as ibuprofen and aspirin, blocking the pathways of many inflammatory diseases, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Type II
Diabetes
They help regulate the glucose levels in our blood and cells alike, making them ideal for type II diabetes patients.
Antimicrobial
properties
They protect from the Helicobacter pylori which is the bacteria that causes stomach ulcer.
Cancer
According to studies, oleocanthal rapidly induces cell death in various types of cancer cells, such as melanoma, prostate and breast cancer cells.
Osteoporosis
They reduce the formation rate of osteoclasts (cell type that destroys bone tissue).
Alzheimer’s
disease
Recent international studies prove that oleocanthal is directly linked to a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Osteoarthritis
Through their antinflammatory activities, polyphenols help strengthen the joints and reduce their inflammation in osteoarthritis patients.