Hydroxytyrosol's potential in preventing mercury-related cytotoxicity may make olive oil an excellent nutritional resource to help combat a growing health crisis in India, research shows.
The rising levels of mercury (Hg) contamination in India, through environmental, industrial, medical, and nutritional sources, are rapidly leading to what could become a major public health crisis in the country. The adverse effects are already evident in the reported increase in cancers, cardiovascular diseases, kidney ailments, neuronal disorders, psychiatric disorders, and vision impairment.
Researchers suggest that the dietary inclusion of phytochemicals, like those present in olive oil, may help mitigate these health concerns to a considerable degree. Virgin olive oil contains a number of phenolic antioxidants that have known health benefits, and one of these antioxidants, hydroxytyrosol (HT), has proven to be effective against Hg-induced toxicity.
See Also:Olive Oil Health Benefits
In general, once Hg is ingested, inhaled, or absorbed into the body, it may either be expelled naturally after a period of time, particularly if the poisoning sources are curbed, or it may accumulate within the cells. In the latter case, the Hg accumulation then begins to disrupt the cellular processes and brings about adverse morphological changes that can destroy the cellular structures and lead to long-term organ damage. The kidneys and the brain, especially in young children, are particularly vulnerable to mercury toxicity.
The use of HT in such cases is recommended since the phenolic phytochemical, along with being non-toxic and anti-inflammatory, is capable of diffusing through cell membranes and has metal-chelating properties that can counteract Hg-induced cytotoxicity.
Experiments carried out by Manna et al. show that HT significantly reduces the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by Hg exposure. The research was published in the Journal of Nutrition & Food Sciences.
ROS are oxygen-based reactive molecules that, in high levels, can bring about apoptosis; that is, they can cause the cell to self-destruct. It is necessary for cell survival then to detox ROS and, to do this, the natural defense system releases antioxidants like glutathione. Continued Hg exposure can, however, deplete the glutathione levels and undermine the antioxidant defense. HT can prevent just this depletion and thereby allow glutathione to carry out its protective task.
Manna et al. also observed HT’s potential in preventing the formation of echinocytes. These are red blood cells (RBCs) that, with Hg exposure, form abnormal, uniformly placed spiny growths on the cell membranes. Echinocytes are pro-coagulant and can bring about Hg-induced rupturing known as hemolysis and lead to thrombotic disease. Increased echinocyte formation also raises the risk of cardiovascular damage.
Given the effectiveness of HT’s antioxidant properties, it is clearly an excellent nutritional resource for treating Hg-induced health problems. Using olive oil in the regular diet may, therefore, prove to be of immense benefit in India.
That said, the inclusion of olive oil in daily cooking may require more widespread health-based awareness than what exists already, since, generally, people tend to go with what they have always used and what doesn’t alter the taste or flavor that they are accustomed to.
The high price of olive oil, much of which is imported, also tends to put it out of reach of the section of population that it can most benefit. The cultivation of olives in Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh and the production of olive oil in India may, hopefully, make it more accessible soon to the general public.
More articles on: cancer prevention, cardiovascular disease, health
Sep. 28, 2023
Hydroxytyrosol May Help Prevent Colon Cancer Spread, Research Suggests
During in vitro experiments, hydroxytyrosol, a prominent olive oil polyphenol, was found to target a protein involved in cancer cell reproduction.
Jun. 20, 2023
In Ice Cream, Olive Oil Adds Health Benefits Without Compromising Flavor
Extra virgin olive oil offers the possibility for innovative, healthier ice creams.
May. 1, 2023
Researchers Develop Simplified Way to Determine Polyphenol Contents of Olive Oil
The new method uses laser-engraved paper and a smartphone to determine polyphenols in a sample.
Jun. 22, 2023
Drinking Olive Fruit Water Can Aid Exercise Efficiency, Research Suggests
Olive fruit water is a by-product typically thrown away during olive oil production. However, its antioxidants may hold benefits for recreational athletes.
May. 30, 2023
Study: Polyphenols in Olive Oil Boost Help Heal Damaged Skin
Polyphenols found in extra virgin olive oil enhance the healing abilities of fibroblasts, opening up possibilities for novel wound healing applications.
Aug. 31, 2023
The Importance of Choosing Healthy Snacks for Your Overall Health
Choosing healthy snacks can be beneficial for overall health, even if you snack frequently.
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.
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.