The Arthritis Foundation suggests olive oil along with a Mediterranean diet to help arthritis sufferers.
The Arthritis Foundation in the UK has recommended olive oil to help decrease joint inflammation caused by arthritis.
The benefits of a Mediterranean diet have long been extolled by arthritis researchers. A study from the Cochrane Collaboration in 2009 found that olive oil and the Mediterranean diet may reduce pain following a 12-week trial.
As detailed in a recent article in British newspaper, Sunday Express, olive oil is rich in Omega‑3 fatty acids, also found in oily fish such as tuna and salmon. Omega‑3 works as an anti-inflammatory and helps reduce swelling and pain in arthritic joints.
Sunflower oil, on the other hand, contains Omega‑6 fatty acids. While small quantities of Omega‑6 are not harmful and should be ingested as part of a balanced diet, Omega-6s are known to cause inflammation, thereby worsening arthritic swelling and pain.
The Arthritis Foundation website suggests consuming 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil daily. Alongside Omega‑3, olive oil also contains oleocanthal, a natural compound which works in a similar way to NSAIDs (non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs), by reducing the effect of enzymes that cause inflammation. A common NSAID used for arthritic pain is ibuprofen, which, like most medication, can have unpleasant side effects. Taking regular NSAIDs increases the risk of kidney failure and stomach ulcers.
Oleocanthal was discovered to reduce inflammation in a 2005 study. It found that extra virgin olive oil contains the same enzymes as drugs like ibuprofen, despite the molecular structure of oleocanthal and ibuprofen being completely different. Dr. Gary Beauchamp, who led the study, found that the more astringent the olive oil, the more oleocanthal it is likely to contain. When sipped, the oil should cause a burning sensation in the throat.
Eating olive oil as part of a Mediterranean diet has other health benefits indirectly linked to arthritis symptoms.
Followers of an olive oil-based, Mediterranean diet have been found to lose weight, which eases tension on arthritic joints. There is a decreased risk of heart problems and serious diseases such as cancer.
More articles on: Mediterranean diet, health, oleocanthal
May. 1, 2024
Researchers Investigate Links Between MedDiet Adherence and Oral Health
The Mediterranean diet's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects and its role in maintaining beneficial microorganisms are linked with positive oral health outcomes.
Jul. 25, 2023
Patients Respond to Nutrition Guidance Via Telehealth, Study Shows
Intervention through telehealth can positively complement face-to-face care in sustaining dietary and lifestyle changes.
Jan. 15, 2024
Oleocanthal: Behind the Health Benefits of Olive Oil's Famous Phenol
Found solely in extra virgin olive oil, oleocanthal demonstrates potent anti-inflammatory properties and has been linked to beneficial impacts on cancer and dementia.
Aug. 18, 2023
Biophenols in EVOO Linked to Improved Outcomes in Obesity and Prediabetes
Research finds that consuming extra virgin olive oil rich in oleocanthal and oleacein also induces weight loss, a decrease in body mass index and basal glycemia.
Jul. 19, 2023
Exploring the Health Benefits of Hydroxytyrosol in Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Hydroxytyrosol is among the 25 phenolic compounds found in extra virgin olive oil, playing a role in preventing noncommunicable diseases.
May. 23, 2023
Researchers Investigate Role of Bioactive Compounds in Neurodegenerative Diseases
The researchers focused on studies investigating the flavonoids, polyphenols and other phenolic compounds found in extra virgin olive oil and the Mediterranean diet.
Oct. 31, 2023
Med Diet Alleviates PTSD Symptoms, Study Suggests
While researchers said more work needs to be done, they believe they are closer to being able to provide dietary recommendations for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Oct. 26, 2023
Research Shows the Role of Polyphenols in Inhibiting Cancer Metastasis
Spanish scientists investigated the role of oleocanthal and oleacein in modulating angiogenesis, which is directly related to the progression of different types of tumors.