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Prevent Cancer, Use Olive Oil...
You can give your child added protection by adding olive oil to their diet. In a study to be published in the January 2007 issue of The FASEB Journal, scientists from five European countries describe how the anti-cancer effects of olive oil may account for the significant difference in cancer rates among Northern and Southern Europeans.
The authors drew this conclusion based on the outcomes of volunteers from
Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, and Spain, who consumed 25 milliliters
(a little less than a quarter cup) of olive oil every day for three weeks.
During this time, the researchers examined urine samples of the subjects
for specific compounds known to be waste by-products of oxidative damage
to cells, a precursor to cancer. At the beginning of the trial, the presence
of these waste by-products was much higher in Northern European subjects
than their Southern European counterparts. By the end of three weeks, however,
the presence of this compound in Northern European subjects was substantially
reduced.
"Determining the health benefits of any particular food is challenging because
of it involves relatively large numbers of people over significant periods of
time," said lead investigator Henrik E. Poulsen, M.D. of Rigshospitalet,
Denmark. "In our study, we overcame these challenges by measuring how olive
oil affected the oxidation of our genes, which is closely linked to development
of disease. This approach allows us to determine if olive oil or any other food
makes a difference. Our findings must be confirmed, but every piece of evidence
so far points to olive oil being a healthy food. By the way, it also tastes great."
Another interesting finding in the study suggests that researchers are just beginning
to unlock the mysteries of this ancient "health food." Specifically,
the researchers found evidence that the phenols in olive oil are not the only
compounds that reduced oxidative damage. Phenols are known antioxidant compounds
that are present in a wide range of everyday foods, such as dark chocolate, red
wine, tea, fruits, and vegetables. Despite reducing the level of phenols in the
olive oil, the study's subjects still showed that they were receiving the same
level of health benefits.
"Every New Year people make resolutions that involve eating less fat to
improve their health," said Gerald Weissmann, MD, Editor-in-Chief of The
FASEB Journal. "This academically sound, practically useful study shows
that what you eat is just as important as how much you eat. No wonder Plato taught
wisdom in an olive grove called Academe."
NOTE: This web site is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice. The information provided through this site should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider