8 Apr, 2024 @ 15:04
1 min read

Eating olive oil daily could help prevent these five serious health issues – according to scientists in Spain

SCIENTISTS in Spain have revealed eating olive oil daily could help to prevent these five serious health issues. 

Olive oil is thought to combat a range of illnesses and diseases. Photo by Lucio Patone on Unsplash

READ MORE: Does putting olive oil in the fridge reveal its quality? All you need to know amid a surge in FAKE extra virgin products in Spain and beyond

A key part of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil has become more and more expensive in the past few years thanks to bad harvests and widespread drought. 

As prices rise, Spaniards are consuming up to 34.7% less olive oil a month, according to the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fishing and Food. 

Now, a study from the Universidad de Sevilla has revealed which illnesses and health issues this Spanish staple can help combat. 

It is thought olive oil has medicinal properties thanks to its 70-80% quantity of oleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid. 

Commonly found in olives, canola oil and sunflower oil, oleic acid fights a variety of common illnesses. 

Obesity 

Olive oil contains oleylethanolamide, a chemical which helps to regulate appetite and body weight. 

Studies have also found that people who consume extra virgin olive oil regularly have a lower risk of being overweight. 

This is probably because it is a monounsaturated fat, thought to promote weight loss. 

READ MORE: These are the devastating factors behind a shock 50% fall in production of Spain’s ‘liquid gold’

Cholesterol 

According to the study: “oleic acid reduces the expression of proteins related to the movement of cholesterol, it also lowers the absorption of cholesterol and reduces oxidation of lipid proteins, preventing atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in the arteries. 

Cancer

The anti-inflammatory properties of oleic acid act as an anticarcinogen, ‘inhibiting the expression of oncogenes, genetic mutations thought to cause cancer’. 

Hypertension

One of the biggest factors influencing cardiovascular risk, the antioxidant power of oleic acid can help to lower pressure on the arteries thanks to its nitrous oxide content. 

Alzheimers 

Lastly, the study showed olive oil could be beneficial in preventing alzheimers as oleic acid is a key component of cell membranes, including neurons.

READ MORE: How a British designer, 39, is turning olive oil waste from southern Spain into luxury clothing

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Yzabelle Bostyn

Yzabelle Bostyn is an NCTJ trained journalist who started her journalistic career at the Olive Press in 2023.
Before moving to Spain, she studied for a BA in English Literature and Hispanic Studies at the University of Sheffield.
After graduating she moved to the university’s journalism department, one of the best in the UK.
Throughout the past few years, she has taken on many roles including social media marketing, copywriting and radio presenting.
She then took a year out to travel Latin America, scaling volcanoes in Guatemala and swimming with sharks in Belize.
Then, she came to the Olive Press last year where she has honed her travel writing skills and reported on many fantastic experiences such as the Al Andalus luxury train.
She has also undertaken many investigations, looking into complex issues like Spain’s rental crisis and rising cancer rates.
Always willing to help, she has exposed many frauds and scams, working alongside victims to achieve justice.
She is most proud of her work on Nolotil, a drug linked to the deaths of many Brits in Spain.
A campaign launched by Yzabelle has received considerable support and her coverage has been by the UK and Spanish media alike.
Her writing has featured on many UK news outlets from the Sun to the Mail Online, who contracted her to report for them in Tenerife on growing tourism issues.
Recently, she has appeared on Times Radio covering deadly flooding in Valencia.

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