A compound found in olive oil called oleocanthal fights inflammation in a manner similar to ibuprofen, inhibiting the enzymes involved in pain and inflammation responses. The amount of oleocanthal obtained from daily olive oil consumption would elicit a much smaller anti-inflammatory effect compared to medication and more research is needed to determine whether olive oil consumption has any clinical effect on inflammation. However, some researchers speculate that the heart benefits of a Mediterranean-style diet, which includes ample amounts of olive oil, may be due in part to the anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil. The inflammation of tissues, such as those of the vascular system, plays a role in the development of heart disease. A great way to add olive oil to your diet is to replace creamy salad dressing high in saturated fats with a drizzle of olive oil, balsamic vinegar and garlic.

Make sure you purchase your olive oil in dark glass bottles. Visit our store in Shediac, for Korinthia Extra Virgin Olive oil, product from Greece.

Reference: Phytochemistry: ibuprofen-like activity in extra-virgin olive oil. Beauchamp, G. H., Keast, R.S., Morel, D., Lin, J., Han, Q., Lee, C.H., Smith, A.B., Breslin, P.A., Nature 2005 Sep 1; 437(7055: 45-46.

For more information on nutritional planning or complete nutritional assessments contact:
CJM LeBlanc HealthWorks, Centreville Mall, 121-342 Main Street, Shediac, N.B. E4P 2E7, tel: (506)533-8885, fax: 532-8644, e-mail: charlotteleb@rogers.com, web site: www.wellness-healthworks.com

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