Olive oil could slow down the ageing process

The United States spends 8,731 dollars per person per year on healthcare costs, which is twice as much as other countries in the world. Despite this, Americans only rank 34th in life expectancy behind countries such as Lebanon, Korea, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom and Chile. Of the countries in the top 10, seven are Mediterranean countries (Spain, Andorra, Italy, San Marino, France, Monaco and Cyprus). Many experts believe that the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in olive oil, lean meat, fruit and vegetables, whole grains and red wine, could help people in these countries to live longer.

Olive oil contains an average of 73g of unsaturated fatty acids per 100g, which have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. Unsaturated fatty acids can also help burn fat - but should not be consumed in excess.

A literature review led by Lucia Fernandez del Rio from the University of Cordoba in Spain concluded that the consumption of olive oil could be the key to longer life for these people. Olive oil works by stabilizing genes, protecting cell telomeres (preventing DNA degradation), maintaining metabolic control and protecting stem cells.

(Molecules, 21: 163, 2016)