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
The Secret Ingredient to a Longer, Happier Life
Let’s face it. We’re all in need of an attitude adjustment from time to time. After all, when you turn on the news these days, the world can seem pretty dark. That is unless you make it a practice to look for the silver linings. In fact, Harvard researchers say when you do, something quite...
Do You REALLY Need All Those Skincare Products?
I often get questions about skincare products—and here’s what I’ve learned. In today’s beauty-obsessed world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of spending hundreds every month believing you need countless products to fight aging and achieve healthy, glowing skin. However, many dermatologists argue that LESS is MORE when it comes to skincare. Simplifying your...
“Ebb and Flow” Technique TRANSFORMS Senior Brain Health
You know by now that exercise is good for you. It keeps your heart healthy, your muscles strong, and your waistline trim. But what if I told you that a trendy “ebb and flow” workout technique—often associated with young fitness enthusiasts—could actually be a game-changer for us “oldsters” when it comes to brain health? And...
Mailbag: Slash Your Risk of Bone Fractures as You Age
“My doctor recently told me that I have osteoporosis. What can I do to reduce my risk of fractures and maintain strong bones as I age?” – Margaret Hi Margaret, Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I’m sure it was a shock. Osteoporosis is a serious condition that affects millions of people, and it’s not...
Household Favorite EXPOSED as Cancer Risk?
We all want to believe that the products we use daily are safe. After all, if they weren’t, they wouldn’t be on store shelves, right? Well, I hate to break it to you, but sometimes, the truth is far more alarming than we’d like to admit. The World Health Organization (WHO) has just dropped a...
Hidden Heatwave Threat REVEALED
Heat waves can have serious consequences. After all, staying cool isn’t just a comfort issue. When the mercury soars, it threatens your health—especially when you’re a senior. There are various reasons for this, including chronic medical conditions and bodies that just don’t regulate temperature as well as they once did. But there’s another heat-linked threat...
The Hidden Threat Behind Your Achy Joints
Picture this… You’re trying to enjoy a leisurely stroll in the park, but each step sends a jolt of pain through your knee. Or maybe you’re attempting to open a stubborn jar lid, only to have your fingers refuse to cooperate, leaving you feeling frustrated and helpless. Perhaps you’re simply trying to get out of...
Parkinson's Signs You Can't Afford to Miss
Imagine waking up one day to find your body betraying you. Your hands tremble as you try to button your shirt. Your feet shuffle when you want to walk with purpose. Once strong and clear, your voice now barely reaches above a whisper. This is the reality for those living with Parkinson’s. But what if...
Do Protein Needs Drop with Age? The SURPRISING Answer
I had a patient ask me the other day if they needed as much protein now as when they were younger. After all, we aren’t quite as active as seniors compared to when we were spring chickens. It’s a good question. And the answer might surprise you… Remember when you could devour a whole pizza...
Follow Your “Gut Feeling” to Reduce Diabetes Risk
It seems like every day we learn something new about the incredible influence our gut has on our overall health. From mood to immunity, and even to how well we sleep, the community of microbes in our digestive tract is pulling the strings behind the scenes. So, it should come as no surprise that researchers...