Olive oil, better than expected

2005/10/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Dietetika/Elikagaiak
• Osasuna

Researchers at the University of Science in Philadelphia have shown that a component of olive oil has an effect similar to that of ibuprofen. This compound is called oleocantal and works like ibuprofen in one of the pain pathways in the nervous system. Therefore, although the chemical structures of oleocantal and ibuprofen are very different, both are analgesic. Taking four tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil is like taking 10% of the ibuprofen needed to relieve pain a day. So, it is not as effective as the drug, but researchers have no doubt that it is really beneficial in the long run.