Olive oil may prevent cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, high cholesterol

Credit: Ron Lach / Pexels

Olive oil is a widely popular ingredient in many Mediterranean dishes and is often praised for its health benefits.

Researchers from the University of Seville have conducted a study to explore the health-promoting properties of oleic acid, the principal component of olive oil.

Oleic acid makes up 70 to 80 percent of olive oil’s composition and is responsible for many of its benefits.

Oleic acid is the most abundant monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) in the human diet.

It is a major constituent of olive oil, which is the most characteristic nutrient and the main fat in the Mediterranean diet.

The Mediterranean diet is recognized as one of the healthiest diets for preventing disease and aging.

It is marked by a high vegetable intake, moderate fish consumption, low-moderate dairy consumption, low red meat intake, and moderate wine consumption.

The study found that oleic acid has many health benefits, such as preventing cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, lowering cholesterol, and acting as an antioxidant.

It is also recognized as an anti-inflammatory molecule, although this quality is still under debate among scientists.

Oleic acid is an energy molecule and a component of cell membranes. It can regulate the synthesis and activity of antioxidant enzymes, preventing atherosclerosis.

Oleic acid is also recognized to be an anti-cancer molecule because of its inhibitory effects on the overexpression of oncogenes and their effects on programmed cell death.

Additionally, a derivative of oleic acid, called oleoylethanolamide, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of its own and has been proposed as a potent therapeutic agent to treat obesity.

The researchers point out that most studies on olive oil have been conducted on animals, so further research is needed to confirm the significant properties shown by this molecule and its derivative, oleoylethanolamide, in humans.

In conclusion, olive oil, which is rich in oleic acid, has many health-promoting properties that have been recognized by science.

It is a key component of the Mediterranean diet and can help to prevent diseases and aging. By incorporating olive oil into their diet, individuals can benefit from the many health benefits it offers.

How to prevent Alzheimer’s disease

While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are steps that individuals can take to help prevent the development of the disease. Here are some ways to help prevent Alzheimer’s:

Exercise regularly: Regular exercise has been shown to be beneficial for brain health and may help to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. A Mediterranean-style diet, which emphasizes plant-based foods, fish, and healthy fats, has been shown to be particularly beneficial.

Stay mentally active: Engaging in mentally stimulating activities such as reading, puzzles, and socializing can help to keep the brain active and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Manage chronic conditions: Chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Managing these conditions through medication, lifestyle changes, or both, can help to reduce the risk.

Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is important for overall brain health. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.

Reduce stress: Chronic stress has been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Finding ways to manage stress, such as through exercise, meditation, or therapy, can help to reduce the risk.

Stay socially engaged: Social isolation and loneliness have been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Staying socially engaged through volunteering, joining clubs, or spending time with friends and family can help to reduce the risk.

While these strategies may not completely eliminate the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, they can help to reduce the risk and improve overall brain health.

If you care about nutrition, please read studies about how Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease.

For more information about health, please see recent studies about plant nutrients that could help reduce high blood pressure, and these antioxidants could help reduce dementia risk.

The study was published in Nutrients.

Copyright © 2023 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.