Extra Virgin Oilve Oil
Assists in the Fight Against Diseases and Disorders
Researchers have found that a Mediterranean diet consisting of a generous use of olive oil seems to decrease the risk of developing breast cancer. Olive oil is rich in Oleic Acid, a fatty acid that dramatically reduces the level of production of a protein that is created by the breast cancer gene Her-2/neu. The world’s richest natural source of this beneficial fatty acid is olive oil.
A diet heavy in saturated fats can result in a condition known as arteriosclerosis. This occurs when the cholesterol from saturated fat begins to build up on the walls of the arteries, thus restricting the flow of blood to the tissues and obstructing the functioning of the vital organs. It has been shown that eating a diet rich in olive oil can prevent the formation of these cholesterol deposits, and help maintain the healthy flow of blood throughout the body.
Bacteria & Viruses
The immune system defends the body against microorganisms, bacteria and viruses. The stronger your immune system is, the less likely it is that one of these organisms will invade the body and make you ill. The fatty acids in olive oil have been shown to bolster the immune system by helping to regulate its inflammatory processes. These same fatty acids are also effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory immune disease affecting the joints.
Elderly people who are otherwise healthy may suffer from age-related cognitive decline. Studies show that a large consumption of monounsaturated fats, olive oil in particular, improves the cognitive functioning in the elderly. Research suggests that the beneficial fatty acids in olive oil help to maintain the structure of the brain cell membrane. As we age, the brain’s demand for these fatty acids increases, and olive oil delivers the acids necessary for maintaining healthy cognitive functioning.
As we age, our skin goes through gradual structural and functional skin damage. The inner and outer layers of the skin grow thinner and elasticity is lost. External factors such as the sun’s rays speed up the ageing process and contribute to the deterioration of skin tissue. The lipid profile of olive oil is very similar to that of human skin. Consuming healthy amounts of olive oil can reduce cell damage to the skin by aiding in the fight against free radicals, the leading contributor to accelerated skin ageing. Olive oil also has a high concentration of vitamins A, D, K, and E, all of which have proven to treat skin disorders such as acne, psoriasis, and seborrheic eczemas.
The information on this page was taken from the North American Olive Oil Association (NAOOA) and the International Olive Oil Council (IOOC) websites. The NAOOA and IOOC represent companies that are in the olive oil business. Goya is a proud member of the NAOOA.