U.S. experts have found in extra virgin olive oil a compound that has christened oleocanthal, which according to his research, inhibits the enzyme activity of cyclooxygenase (COX), a pharmacological action of ibuprofen itself. The findings of this study have been made known through the scientific journal Nature.

“Some of the health effects related to the Mediterranean diet could be due to the natural anti-COX activity of oleocanthal found in olive oil quality,” says the Nature biologist Gary Beauchamp of Monell Químicosensoriales Studies Center of the University of Pennsylvania (USA).

The discovery
The history of science owes much of its findings to pure chance and, on this occasion, one would expect. Beauchamp realized in a molecular gastronomy conference in Sicily that produced extra virgin olive oil in a slight throat irritation similar to ibuprofen itching to stop being consumed. The scientist had worked in that direction with this popular drug.

So, on his return, Gary Beauchamp and a group of scientists set to work to isolate the chemical compound that generated the itching. He called oleocanthal (olive oil, Canth itching and aldehyde) and found that, like ibuprofen or aspirin, can inhibit the activity of the enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, which is founded action of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics.

According to the study, 50 grams of extra virgin olive oil containing 200 micrograms of oleocanthal, equivalent to 10% of the recommended dose of ibuprofen for adult pain relief.

Anticancer and heart
“As a pure natural product, simply the juice of the olive, virgin olive oil or extra virgin is full of very healthy properties,” explains Dr. Sanchez-Albornoz, dietitian and clinical nutrition Instimed. For example, it is no secret that this product is one of our biggest allies in the fight against cholesterol.

Its high content of oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat, helps us to reduce the rate of bad cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular disease, so it is very advisable to consume raw. Moreover, “extra virgin is rich in vitamins A, D, E, K and especially very beneficial to the tissues, as well as protecting against certain tumors, heart disease and atherosclerosis,” says Dr. Sánchez-Albornoz. “In addition, its antioxidant improves the quality of the body, everything works properly, prevents aging … Antioxidants are the source of eternal youth.”

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