A recent study has confirmed that olive oil have significant health benefits, particularly in regards to bone health.
Osteoporosis or bone loss occurs when bones lose an excessive amount of their mineral content, particularly calcium. After a while, bone mass, and therefore bone strength, is decreased. In result, bones break easily and become fragile. Osteoporosis is a serious public health problem that 44 million people in the United States are at risk for, which is responsible for 1.5 million fractures (broken bones) annually.
There hasn’t been much research on olive oil in relation to bone health but a recent study has shown that oleuropein, an element found in extra virgin olive oil, could help prevent bone loss and osteoporosis. Oleuropein enhances the production of osteoblasts (cells responsible for bone formation).
The study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition concluded:
“Published evidence suggests that olive oil phenols can be beneficial by preventing the loss of bone mass. It has been demonstrated that they can modulate the proliferative capacity and cell maturation of osteoblasts by increasing alkaline phosphatase activity and depositing calcium ions in the extracellular matrix. Further research on this issue is warranted, given the prevalence of osteoporosis and the few data available on the action of olive oil on bone.”
The researchers emphasized that more studies have to be done on olive oil in relation to osteoporosis and bone health.
