Extra virgin olive oil and aging

High-quality extra virgin olive oil has proven anti-aging effects:

Extra virgin olive oil is one of these substances. There is a tremendous amount of anecdotal evidence that has led to the emergence of extra virgin olive oil as a food that helps prevent premature aging and slows the onset of age-related diseases and lifestyle diseases. There's now ample scientific evidence to back this up too - as well as the fact that ordinary olives don't possess the same anti-aging properties as extra virgin olive oil.

EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL AND AGING

Extra virgin olive oil is rich in various antioxidants (vitamin E, polyphenols, …) that play a beneficial biological role in eliminating free radicals, the molecules involved in some chronic diseases and aging, and in prolonging life expectancy , which has been demonstrated in several epidemiology studies.

Many age-related diseases are influenced by diet, particularly osteoporosis and deteriorating cognitive function.

WHAT IS OSTEOPOROSIS?

Osteoporosis is a reduction in bone tissue mass that increases the risk of bone fractures. There are two kinds. Type I occurs in middle-aged postmenopausal women and Type II in older people.

EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL AND OSTEOPOROSIS

Extra virgin olive oil appears to have a beneficial effect on bone calcification, and the more extra virgin olive oil consumed, the better the bone mineralization. It supports calcium absorption and thus plays an important role during the growth phase and in the prevention of osteoporosis.

EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION

A diet rich in olive oil can prevent memory loss in healthy older people. A lower likelihood of age-related cognitive decline was observed in a study conducted on elderly people fed diets high in monounsaturated fats, particularly extra virgin olive oil.

Exactly how large amounts of these fats prevent cognitive decline is not known. However, it is thought that this effect occurs because the monounsaturated fatty acids can help maintain the structure of brain cell membranes, as the need for these acids seems to increase with age.

The same study observed that the amount of extra virgin olive oil consumed was inversely related to age-related cognitive decline and memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Continue reading : Olive Oil Antioxidants and Aging