One major antioxidant in olive oil shown to have greatest health benefits

Posted on 2009-04-06 11:40:28 in Cardio-Vascular | Functional Foods | Longevity and Age Management | Nutrition | Stroke |
 

Lead Researcher Fatima Paiva-Martins and her colleagues from the University of Porto have discovered that of all major antioxidants in olive oil, DHPEA-EDA is most effective in protecting red blood cells from damage - more, in fact, than any other part of olive oil. The study, which was published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, compared the effects of "four related polyphenolic compounds on red blood cells subjected to oxidative stress by a known free radical generating chemical." As Paiva-Martins and her team found, DHPEA-EDA was the most effective at protecting red blood cells, even in low concentrations.

According to the researchers, their findings offer the first evidence that DHPEA-EDA, which comprises more than half of the total antioxidant component of olive oil, is the major source of health benefits associated with virgin olive oils. "These findings provide the scientific basis for the clear health benefits that have been seen in people who have olive oil in their diet," Paiva-Martins says. She also believes that the findings could lead to the development of "functional" olive oils specifically designed to reduce the risk of heart disease. "Now that we have identified the importance of these compounds, producers can start to care more about the polyphenolic composition of their oils," she notes.

Heart disease is caused, in part, by free radicals that act on LDL, the bad cholesterol, resulting in hardening of the arteries. Because red blood cells carry the body's oxygen, they are especially susceptible to oxidative damage. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), consuming about two tablespoons (23 grams) of olive oil a day may reduce the risk of heart disease.

News Release: Source of major health benefits in olive oil revealed   www.sciencedaily.com  April 2, 2009


Health Headlines

Physiological Changes in Brain as We Age
University of Michigan (US) scientists identify breakdowns in brain connections that slow reaction times as we age.
Cinnamon Helps to Improve Antioxidant Status
Cinnamon extract helps to improve antioxidant status, potentially reducing risk factors associated with diabetes and heart disease.
Modest Weight Gain Can Prompt Cardiovascular Issues
Young people who add as little as 9 lbs of adominal fat are at increased risk for developing endothelial cell dysfunction, a precursor to cardiovascular disease
Green Leafy Vegetables Help Reduce Diabetes Risk
Eating 1.5 extra servings of green leafy vegetables daily may reduce the risk of type-2 diabetes by up to 14%.
B Vitamins and the Aging Brain Examined
US Dept. of Agriculture researchers take a closer look at the role of B vitamins, including folate and B-12, in preventing age-related cognitive decline.
Sweet Pepper Compounds May Help to Manage Weight
Canadian team reveals that capsinoids, the non-pungent compounds found in sweet pepper, help to boost energy utilization.
Yoga Boosts Mood & Reduces Anxiety
Boston University School of Medicine (US) find that yoga may be superior to other forms of exercise in its positive effect on mood and anxiety.
Unpleasant Personality Raises Stroke Risk
People with antagonistic or disagreeable personalities have vascular abnormalities that may make them more prone to stroke.
Vitamin D Helps Protect Against Mold Allergies
Vitamin D may help to protect asthmatics from an allergic response linked to common mold (Aspergillus fumigates).
Fish Oil Helps to Offset Metabolic Syndrome
Spanish team reports that dietary supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids, including fish oil, may improve blood lipid levels of people with Metabolic Syndrome.
Find an Anti-aging Doctor!

  
View Current Anti-Aging Newsletter!
Second Opinion with Dr. Ron Klatz
Solutions to improve your life, and your lifespan too.
radio tower Dr. Ronald Klatz, A4M physician founder, interviews the world’s top anti-aging experts in health, longevity, brain fitness, aesthetic beauty, and more. Get the answers to look and feel twenty years younger today.
Tune in to Second Opinion with Dr. Ronald Klatz. »

upcoming Events

U.S. Events
symposiums
workshops
congresses
Las Vegas
fellowships
fellowships
International Events
See all events »