Olive oil has many uses in nutrition to enhance the flavor of meals. The oleic acid it contains also seems to offer many health benefits. (Image: Dušan Zidar/stock.adobe.com)
How Does Oleic Acid Affect Health?
When it comes to the health benefits of consuming olive oil, the influence of it has been included oleic acid so far hardly noticed. However, this fatty acid plays a major role in many aspects of health. New research has now summarized the beneficial effects of oleic acid on the body.
In a recent study involving experts from University of Seville has studied how oleic acid found in olive oil affects the body and health. The results are published in the English-language journal “Nutrients” published.
Oleic acid is a main component of olive oil
Health benefits from the consumption of olive oil have so far been mainly those contained Polyphenolen attributed. However, little attention was paid to one component of olive oil, the so-called oleic acid.
Olive oil is too 70 to 80 percent from the healthy fatty acid and oleic acid is the most common, according to the researchers monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) in human nutrition. It can be ingested through nutrition, but can also be formed through endogenous synthesis.
Does oleic acid protect once morest Alzheimer’s?
Oleic acid is the main monounsaturated fatty acid in the human circulatory system and is also present in the brain, where it has a beneficial effect on the brain mental health seems to have an effect. For example, it has already been established that people with depressive disorders and Alzheimer’s have a significantly lower content of oleic acid.
Oleic acid has antioxidant properties
Oleic acid functions primarily as an energy molecule and as an important component of cell membranes, and is also known for its antioxidant properties, the team explains in a paper press release. In addition to the synthesis of antioxidant enzymes, the fatty acid can directly regulate their activity.
Oleic acid reduces absorption of cholesterol
Also, oleic acid have a hypocholesterolemic effect. This means that it can inhibit the expression of proteins involved in the transport of cholesterol are connected. That reduce the absorption of cholesterol and thus prevent arteriosclerosis.
Oleic acid can inhibit cancer
In addition, oleic acid is also called anti-cancer molecule Labeled because it can inhibit oncogene overexpression and its effects on programmed cell death, the team said. In addition, oleic acid appears anti-inflammatory to work, which remains controversial among experts.
Oleic acid to treat obesity
A derivative of oleic acid (Oleoylethanolamid) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and has even been suggested to treat obesity.
In addition, oleic acid also seems so-called epigenetic mechanisms (direct changes in DNA and DNA-associated proteins) and to influence the modulation of the immune system, which is particularly due to the regulation of an cells involved in inflammation was due.
Does olive oil make the Mediterranean diet so healthy?
Olive oil provides the main fat content of the healthy ones mediterranean diet and is theirs most characteristic nutrient. The oil might therefore play an essential role in the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet.
For example, it is known that the Mediterranean diet protects once morest cardiovascular diseases via the intestinal flora weight loss supported and even relieves depressive symptoms.
More research needed
The team adds that most of the studies on the effects of olive oil so far have been done on animals. Therefore, further studies are needed to determine the beneficial properties of this molecule and its derivative, oleoylethanolamide, in humans. (as)
