Health benefits
Health benefits
Since ancient times, olive oil and olive by-products have been used as traditional health remedies. Today, a wide variety of epidemiological studies have associated the intake of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) with a lower risk of chronic diseases of oxidative and inflammatory origin
(1).
Furthermore, recent studies have linked the consumption of EVOO with positive and preventive effects for metabolic diseases, incidence of cancer, cardiovascular pathologies, dementia syndromes, neurodegenerative pathologies and inflammatory processes
(1-2).
Until a few years ago, the beneficial effects of EVOO were mainly attributed to its high content of fatty acids (carboxylic acid) such as oleic acid, or omega-3 and omega-6, in lower concentrations.
However, different studies have shown that the presence of other minority components, mainly
polyphenols, are responsible for most of these positive health effects of EVOO (3-4).
It should be noted that polyphenols are characteristic compounds of EVOO and, therefore, will not be found in other vegetable oils, such as sunflower or seed oil.
Among the polyphenols, one of the great discoveries is
oleocanthal, responsible for the itching in the throat caused by EVOO. Studies carried out with oleocanthal have shown that it is a compound with great potential as it is one of the main compounds responsible for the following properties:
• Anti-inflammatory: effects similar to those of ibuprofen have been attributed to oleoocanthal
(5-7).
• Antioxidants: oleocanthal has been related to the reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), directly linked to oxidative processes
(6-7).
• Antimicrobials: different studies have shown its bactericidal properties against E. coli (Escherichia coli), Enterococcus faecalis, Salmonella enterica (Salmonella enterica), Helicobacter pylori, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes
(6).
• Anticancer: pre-clinical studies have linked oleocanthal to the reduction of the risk of different cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma, multiple myeloma, various melanoma cell lines, lung fibroblasts, as well as leukemia, breast,
colon and prostate cancer
(6-7).
• Antidegenerative:
beneficial properties are attributed to oleocanthal in diseases related to degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or degenerative musculoskeletal pathologies
(7)
• Neuroprotective: given its powerful anti-inflammatory activity, it is associated with a promising compound against Alzheimer-associated neuroinflammation
(6-7).
However, oleocanthal is not present in all EVOOs and also not among the refined ones. Only an exclusive group of EVOOs can boast of this precious compound, among them is our appreciated picual variety, which is one of those with the highest amount of oleocanthal
(8).
Altogether, more studies and clinical trials are still needed to verify these functional effects of EVOO on humans, therefore its
prolonged use is recommended for preventive purposes, but it will never be a substitute for any drug or therapy prescribed by a doctor or healthcare professional. .
Courtesy of Maitane Nuñez García, PhD.
References:
1. Sanchéz-Rodríguez, E. et al. Compuestos bioactivos del aceite de oliva virgen. Nutr Clin Med 2018; XII (2): 80-94.
2. Tresserra-Rimbau, A. et al. Polyphenol intake and mortality risk:
a re-analysis of the PREDIMED trial. BMC Med 2014; 12(1):77
3. Covas, MI. et al. EUROLIVE Study Group. The effect of polyphenols in olive oil on heart disease risk factors: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2006;145(5):333-41.
4. Estruch, R. et al. Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease with a Mediterranean diet. N Engl J Med. 2013;368:1279-90.
5. Beauchamp, GK. et al. Phytochemistry: ibuprofen-like activity in extra-virgin olive oil. Nature. 2005;437(7055):45–6.
6. Pang, K.L, et al. The Biological Activities of Oleocanthal from a Molecular Perspective. Nutrients. 2018;10(5):570.
7. Francisco, V. et al. Natural Molecules for Healthy Lifestyles: Oleocanthal from Extra Virgin Olive Oil. J Agric Food Chem 2019;67(14):3845–53.
8. Los virgen extra picual y cornicabra únicos en el mundo por su contenido en Oleocanthal. 2015. Noticia disponible en: https://www.olimerca.com/noticiadet/los-virgen-extra-picual-y-cornicabra-unicos-en-el-mundo-por-su-alto-contenido-en-oleocanthal/e130e0b1bb91f1c7036ccb9358789b8a
