Olive oil and anti-inflammatory properties

In 2005 Scientists discovered that Extra-virgin olive oil shares the same pharmacological properties as the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug Ibuprofen. It contains a compound known as oleocanthal, a polyphenol which is of similar structure to Ibuprofen which relieves pain, fever and inflammation.

Oleocanthal, found in extra-virgin olive oil has been shown to have strong anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

Ingesting 50grams or 3 tablespoons per day of extra-virgin olive oil corresponds to an intake of about 9mg of oleocanthal, which is about 10% of the ibuprofen dosage recommended for adult pain relief.

Overall, research suggests diets rich in extra-virgin olive oil such as mediterranean is advantageous for reducing inflammatory conditions.

Next time you dress your salad think about adding extra-virgin olive oil!

REFERENCE

Beauchamp GK, Keast RS, Morel D, Lin J, Pika J, Han Q, Lee CH, Smith AB, Breslin PA. Phytochemistry: ibuprofen-like activity in extra-virgin olive oil. Nature. 2005 Sep 1;437(7055):45-6. doi: 10.1038/437045a. PMID: 16136122.

Parkinson L, Keast R. Oleocanthal, a phenolic derived from virgin olive oil: a review of the beneficial effects on inflammatory disease. Int J Mol Sci. 2014 Jul 11;15(7):12323-34. doi: 10.3390/ijms150712323. PMID: 25019344; PMCID: PMC4139846.