How Olive Oil Might Be Your Secret Weapon Against Cancer
I came across a remarkable find through cancer researcher Dr. Ralph Moss.[1] This is one of the most exciting aspects I’m just now fully appreciating. The ease of accessibility and usage makes it truly impressive..
Consuming lots of olive oil could lower your risk of getting any cancer by 31%. The study found that olive oil was especially good at protecting against some kinds of cancers. Breast cancer and cancers related to the stomach, intestines, mouth, throat, nose, ears, and urinary tract.
This research was a meta-analysis, like a big science project where scientists take a bunch of different studies and put them together to see the larger picture. In this study, researchers from a university in Greece and a well-known hospital in Germany looked at 45 different studies. These included 37 case-control studies and eight cohort studies, which is a fancy way of saying they had information from over a million people.
The researchers looked at data from people worldwide, some from places where olive oil is a standard part of their diet (like in Mediterranean countries), and some from areas where olive oil is less commonly consumed.
What’s really interesting is that the benefits of olive oil weren’t just seen in people from the Mediterranean, known to regularly consume olive oil, but also in people from other parts of the world. This beneficial effect remained consistent no matter the type of study design or adjustments made to the data. This suggests that the link between olive oil and lower cancer risk is solid and reliable.
So, what does this mean for people who want to avoid getting cancer or stop it from coming back? Although scientists still need to learn more, this study suggests that eating more olive oil could help prevent cancer.
The Power of Olive Oil in Fighting Cancer
Olive oil has something called polyphenols. These are natural chemicals found in plants, and they have lots of health benefits. They can help reduce inflammation, and they can also act as antioxidants. Antioxidants are good because they protect your body from harmful molecules that can damage your cells. They contribute to olives and olive oil’s taste, aroma, color, and shelf life.
Several polyphenols, such as oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol,oleocanthal, lignans, and various flavonoids, are found in olives and olive oil. These compounds are believed to contribute to the health benefits of olive oil, with some being studied for their cancer-fighting capabilities.
In another study, a substance found in extra virgin olive oil called oleacein [2] seems to have the ability to slow down or stop the growth of cancer stem cells, which are the cells that can cause cancer to start and grow.
The scientists wanted to find new substances that act like oleacein. They used computer models to predict which substances might behave like them. Then they tested those substances on cancer stem cells in the lab.
They found four substances that, like oleacein, could slow down or stop the growth of these cancer stem cells without harming normal cells. Two of these substances were particularly effective at reducing the number of certain types of fast-growing cancer stem cells.
Interestingly, they discovered that these new substances didn’t need to work in the same way as oleacein to have this effect. This means there might be different ways to achieve the same result in stopping cancer stem cells from growing.
In simple terms, this study shows that it might be possible to create new medicines inspired by a substance in olive oil that can stop or slow down cancer growth. Or one could surmise simply incorporating raw olive oil daily.
Selecting the Best Olive Oil for Your Health
Not all olive oils are created equal. The polyphenol content can vary, affected by factors like the olive’s type, ripeness, processing, and storage. A robust taste and a tickle in the throat can indicate high polyphenol content when consuming the oil.
Among the top olive oil recommendations for cost-effective options with high polyphenol count are California Olive Ranch Global Blend Robust, Lucini Premium Select, California Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Squizito’s Kalamata Reserve Ultra High Phenol. The latter, an early harvest kalamata, boasts a high phenol content and an exceptionally high concentration of the antioxidant oleocanthal at Me & McGee Market.
My philosophy on cancer is based on Dr. Thomas Seyfried’s approach to cancer is focused on treating it as a metabolic disease. He argues that cancer comes from the damaged energy-making process in our cells. He suggests that we can manage cancer by changing the diet to affect the body’s metabolism, often recommending a ketogenic diet, which is high in fats and low in carbohydrates.
Now, how does the information about olive oil fit into this approach? Olive oil is a type of healthy fat, which aligns well with Seyfried’s high-fat, low-carb dietary recommendation with the addition of potent anticancer polyphenols.
Dr. Eric Berg, another health expert, advocates for the daily consumption of extra virgin olive oil. In his video linked below, he explains the potential benefits of incorporating olive oil into your diet, including cardioprotective properties, anti-cancer effects, neuroprotective properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and blood sugar and insulin level regulation.
Dr. Berg and others recommend consuming two tablespoons of olive oil daily to harness these potential benefits. This can be achieved through various means, such as drizzling it over salads or even consuming it straight. It is crucial, however, to ensure you’re consuming genuine extra virgin olive oil for the most health benefits.
The potential of olive oil in reducing cancer risks is profound, not to mention its numerous other health benefits. The studies are promising, and the ease of incorporating this elixir into your daily routine is unparalleled.
If you’ve been seeking a small but impactful step to enhance your health, why not try the two-tablespoon olive oil plan? Try incorporating one of our recommended brands, like the Kalamata Reserve, into your salads, your cooking, or even taken straight. Remember, the goal is not just to consume but to relish this nutrient-dense gift of nature.
But don’t just keep this information to yourself – share it with your loved ones. Send them this article or discuss it over your next meal that includes olive oil. Your conversations inspire them to make this beneficial lifestyle change too.
Resources
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8751986/
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33168787/
Videos
Moss Report
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3Lf_9vwtts
Dr. Berg