15 April 2024 , 21:54
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Diet guru Dr Michael Mosley has dished out a simple tip that could revolutionise your health, revealing just one spoonful of this everyday item could be a game-changer. The health expert, known for his popular 5:2 and Fast 800 diets, spilled the beans on his BBC Radio 4 show 'Just One Thing' about the wonders of olive oil.
Dr Mosley swears by a daily tablespoon of olive oil, hailing it as a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet and a powerhouse of health benefits due to its high polyphenol content. He elaborated on the magic within the oil, stating: "Olive oil is also rich in something called Oleic acid, which, along with the polyphenols, could explain why a good glug of olive oil a day can lower inflammation, improve our memory and reduce blood pressure."
He even suggested splashing out on the pricier extra virgin variety for maximum impact, advising listeners to opt for it over other oils like rapeseed. Citing compelling research, Dr Mosley highlighted: "In a recent Spanish study of over 12,000 people, researchers found that those who had a tablespoon and a half of olive oil a day were half as likely to die from cardiovascular disease, which is impressive.
"This association was only found with those consuming extra virgin olive oil and not refined or ordinary olive oil. On the other hand, a 2020 roundup found that consuming olive oil in whatever form lowered blood pressure, though extra virgin had a bigger impact."
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A study involving 25 older adults with mild memory issues discovered that a daily dose of 30 mls - roughly two tablespoons - of extra virgin olive oil improved brain connectivity. Inflammation is a major health concern, leading to joint pain and potentially causing diabetes and depression, according to Gloucestershire Live.
He said: "A daily dose of olive oil could also dampen down chronic inflammation, which is linked to dementia and cancer. A recent roundup of 30 studies found that daily consumption of olive oil, reduced levels of interleukin six and C reactive protein, two markers of inflammation."
Doctor Bill Mullen from the University of Glasgow explained: "The major component of olive oil is Oleic acid, and it's one of these omega nine fatty acids. Oleic acid is certainly known for having anti-inflammatory effects, and we're pretty sure a lot of these chronic diseases start with inflammation.
"And if it does have an anti-inflammatory effect, it's most likely that it's going to prevent issues in the endothelial function on the art interior walls that will stop build-up of plaques from forming on the arterial walls, which these are all basically made up of collagen. And if it can prevent any damage to the endothelial and the collagen there, then this could be the main reason why olive oil has the effect. And if it's good for coronary arteries, it's good for arteries in the brain as well.
"It seems to do just about everything because, you know, even for brain health again, anything that's anti-inflammatory - it does seem to be advantageous for that. There's a reduction in people who have issues with dementia, especially if we're just looking at, say, vascular dementia."