Natural pain relief in Olive Oil
A research team in the USA has discovered that Extra Virgin olive oil contains a naturally occurring chemical that
mimics the effects of ibuprofen. It was found that a dose of 50g or four tablespoons of Extra Virgin olive oil equates
to 10% of the recommended ibuprofen dose for adult pain relief.
The team discovered that the chemical in olive oil - which they named oleocanthal - inhibits the activity of enzymes
related to inflammation in the same way as ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
The findings suggested that oleocanthal plays a causal role in the health benefits associated with diets where olive
oil is the principal source of fat. Their report said that oleocanthal should be present in any Extra Virgin Olive Oil,
but concentrations will vary depending on a number of factors, such as the variety of olive and the age of the olives
at pressing.
* Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia
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