Olive Oil Compound WOWS Researchers
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted March 20, 2023
Olive oil has been getting some well-deserved attention the last few years. So it would be easy to assume that the golden oil’s status as a health food was recently earned.
But the truth is, olive oil has been considered a healthy staple in the human diet since it was first developed 600 years ago.
And modern science has simply CONFIRMED that status by nailing down some SPECIFIC health benefits.
For example, we now know that olive oil can lower cholesterol and reduce cancer AND Alzheimer’s risk.
Often those kinds of benefits are credited to the oil’s polyphenol content. But new research points to ANOTHER overlooked compound as the TRUE hero.
The main bioactive compound in olive oil is oleic acid. In fact, the nutrient makes up 70–80 percent of the oil.
This compound is the most common monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) found in people’s diets.
But oleic acid is unique because it’s not only found inside our FOOD. It’s also made inside our BODIES.
And yet the compound hasn’t gotten nearly the attention it deserves… until now.
Recent research published in the journal Nutrients aims to fix that. The study highlights some of the many health benefits of oleic acid.
- Brain health: Oleic acid makes up a large part of the outside of every brain cell (the phospholipid bilayer). The amount of oleic acid in the brains of folks with Alzheimer’s and major depressive disorders is far lower than in healthy people. Restoring those levels could lower your risk.
- Energy: Like all free fatty acids, oleic acid can be used as an energy source.
- Immunities: Oleic acid plays a vital role in how the enzymes, that fight free radicals, are made and how they work in our bodies. This makes the compound essential to our body’s built-in defense system.
- Heart health: Oleic acid helps keep cholesterol in check by stopping the proteins that transport it. This keeps cholesterol from being absorbed, slowing the development of atherosclerosis (heart blockages).
- Cancer: Oleic acid can help lower cancer risk by keeping the immune system functioning at the top of its game.
- Bonus benefits: Oleic acid has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
If you’re not already using olive oil, it’s time to change that. Olive and avocado oils are the only liquid oils I use and recommend. Other oils boost inflammation.
Take your time in choosing a good-quality oil. Many olive oils in the grocery store are mixed with other oils (like canola) and aren’t as healthy.
P.S. A recent study confirmed that adding olive oil to your diet could lower your risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. CLICK HERE for all the details.
Source:
“Update on Anti-Inflammatory Molecular Mechanisms Induced by Oleic Acid.” Nutrients 2023, 15, 224. doi.org/10.3390/nu15010224
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Brain Fog? Your Thermostat Could Be the SURPRISING Culprit
Cranking up the heat in winter or blasting the AC in summer can send your utility bills soaring. So, it’s no surprise that many of us choose to grit our teeth and endure it. But that could be a huge mistake. New research reveals that extreme indoor temperatures don’t just make you uncomfortable—they could be...
Nature's Powerful COVID-19 Defense REVEALED
While Big Pharma scrambles to cash in on new COVID-19 treatments, Mother Nature already has powerful allies waiting in the wings. A groundbreaking review in the journal Nutrients revealed a secret that Big Pharma won’t advertise—common herbs and supplements could ease mild COVID-19 symptoms. And the best part? You won’t need a prescription or to...
Women, Don’t Ignore These 5 Signs!
I’ve spent decades in medicine, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that women are tough as nails. They’re pros at pushing through discomfort and brushing off warning signs. But that strength can also be their biggest health risk. Feeling tired? Well, of course—after all, you’re juggling a million things! Short of breath? It...
5 Warning Signs Men Should NEVER Ignore!
Men—listen up. I know you pride yourself on being tough. You insist on pushing through and refuse to make a fuss about “every little ache and pain.” But here’s the cold, hard truth… That tough guy act? It could KILL you. As a doctor I get an unwanted first-row seat to some hard-learned lessons. Hardly...
Mailbag: Is Your Gut Secretly Attacking Your Joints?
“Can a leaky gut cause sudden onset arthritis? My wife has developed arthritis over a 2-month period that is almost debilitating at this point, and she has constant diarrhea. Are these symptoms connected in some way?” -Leaky and Lost Hi Lost, When my patients ask me about leaky gut, my answer is always the same: “It’s...
“Brain Brew” SLASHES Dementia Risk
If you’re a regular Living Well Daily reader, you know I’m a coffee fan. There are plenty of good reasons to stay that way. In fact, I shared a reason just last week. But I’ve also made room in my life for another hot beverage—and that’s green tea. Now, new research suggests it was a...
Nature's New Mood Booster? (It's Already in Your Kitchen!)
Scientists uncovered something surprising hiding in plain sight in our kitchens. And it might turn out to be nature’s answer to fighting depression. The best part? You’re probably already eating it… Let’s find out. An exciting new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders reveals that naturally occurring spermidine could help keep the blues...
Coffee Mug Hack Could Head Off Cancer
If you’re a coffee lover, it doesn’t get much better than that first cup of morning coffee. But before you reach for your favorite mug, I have some news that might make that java taste EVEN better. A new study finds your coffee habit could protect you from one of the world’s most common cancers…...
WALK Away from Cancer? Study Says “Yes!”
When you’re battling cancer, the LAST thing you need is more questionable advice. Yet a parade of well-meaning folks will insist you must do everything from running marathons to moving to a Greek island in order to outsmart the disease. But what if something as simple as a daily walk could give you the extra...
Separating Diet Fact from Fad
We’ve all been there, scrolling through social media, bombarded by images of perfectly arranged açai bowls and bulletproof coffee, wondering if this is the secret to optimal health. In a world of juice cleanses, paleo, gluten-free, and acai-topped everything, it’s easy to get lost in the maze of the latest and greatest diet trends. But...