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
Ease Anxiety with THIS Belly Hack
I’m always encouraging patients to focus on their gastrointestinal health. It’s often overlooked—and well-balanced belly bugs are vital for overall good health. So I’m not surprised that I’ve seen a lot of folks lately who have told me that working on their gut balance has been absolutely LIFE-CHANGING. But it’s NOT in the way you’re...
Is Fish Oil Enough? (What You Might be Missing Out On)
I love talking about the active elements in foods because it highlights the powerful health benefits of those individual ingredients. Take fish oil, for instance. If you search the Living Well Daily archives, you’d likely find THOUSANDS of references to this golden fish extract. Fish oil contains the essential fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and...
The STUNNING Truth About Back Pain
“I feel like I can barely do anything anymore because of my back pain. I’m always taking pain meds. What else can help?” – Ed, Huntsville, AL Hi Ed, Brace yourself. What I’m about to tell you about back pain will no doubt come as a surprise. It might even seem downright unbelievable at first....
FILTHY FACTS About Your Cell Phone
Taking a trip to the bathroom used to be a break from the chaos of daily life. It’s likely at least partially responsible for the nickname restroom. After all, there wasn’t much to do in that room unless you had a magazine to read. But nowadays, for many of us, the restroom is anything BUT...
EAR Test Protects Your BRAIN?
Hearing loss has a habit of sneaking up on folks. Typically, it happens so slowly that you don’t notice it until you’ve lost a SIGNIFICANT amount of hearing. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 8 percent of adults 55 to 64 have disabling hearing loss. That number jumps to 25 percent for people...
Missing "Lucky Penny" Mineral Harms Your Heart
Dear Living Well Daily Reader, Some nutrients get all the glory. There are the vitamin A-Listers like C, D, and E. And although minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium might be considered B-List stars, they ALSO get their fair share of attention. But one vital nutrient never gets to walk the red carpet. And that...
Risk of Stroke SURGES 50% Worldwide?!
It’s NOT good news. A recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO), confirmed that the chance of having a stroke has skyrocketed by a whopping 50 percent in the last twenty years. According to the WHO, that means your stroke risk is now about one in four. Next time you’re in a crowd, look...
Is Tofu GOOD for You? (The Truth REVEALED)
I often wonder why so many people are passionate about tofu. There’s something about it that triggers strong emotions. Some folks HATE it, while others LOVE it. But is it good for you? Well, it’s complicated. Tofu is a fermented soy product. It tastes bland alone. But it takes on the taste of whatever you...
Bizarre New Cell Phone Risk (Beware)
I sometimes joke with my (adult) kids. “Do you know,” I ask, “that the PHONE you carry around with you all the time can make phone calls?” They laugh and mumble, “Old,” under their breath. I swear the generations who grew up with a cell phone attached to their palm will do almost anything to...
MAILBAG: Crush COPD Symptoms NATURALLY
“Got any natural treatments for COPD?” – Mike, Ann Arbor, MI Dear Mike, Unfortunately, COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, is a common condition. In fact, it’s now the third leading cause of death in the United States. COPD causes the airways to constrict, making breathing difficult or uncomfortable. Persistent coughing, excess mucus production, wheezing,...