Extra virgin olive oil and the prevention of osteoporosis

To prevent the risk of osteoporosis, olive oil is a particularly interesting product. A major health problem for seniors, the treatment of osteoporosis often comes too late. Researchers have shown that olive oil can play a protective role against this ageing disease. Olive oil is thus presented as a strategic tool contributing to improving life expectancy.

Multiple research on the impact of olive oil on chronic degenerative diseases

Epidemiological surveys have shown that people in Mediterranean countries suffer less from chronic degenerative diseases due to daily consumption of olive oil with the Mediterranean diet. This diet because of its many benefits and for its strong cultural component has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In addition, researchers in bone health have conducted research on the nutritional prevention of osteoporosis. Véronique Coxam, head of the Skeletal Nutrition and Metabolism Team at the Human Nutrition Unit of the INRA (National Institute for Agricultural Research) in Clermont-Ferrand, has been working for many years on the mechanisms of bone loss and muscle wasting. Its research team has studied the potential of olive oil on the prevention of osteoporosis. The EFSA, European Food Safety Authority, recognizes the protective role of olive oil “against oxidative damage, a factor of accelerated ageing”.

Preventing bone loss with extra virgin olive oil

Véronique Coxam’s research article, published in 2014 in EDP Sciences, reports on numerous research studies that have established that olive oil is “a strategic tool for the prevention of osteoarticular pathologies”. The author notes that unfortunately the curative treatment of the disease is mainly carried out when the patient mentions this health problem. However, this treatment is too late to avoid bone loss. “This is why preventive strategies to reduce the risk of osteoporosis must be developed and implemented. Olive oil, but also olives because of their mono-saturated fatty acids and polyphenolic components can be effective in preventing osteoporosis. As part of a research programme entitled Poliv D3, the aim is to demonstrate that olive oil combined with vitamin D and omega 3 can make it possible “to combat bone and muscle loss associated with ageing”.

Sources :

https://www.ocl-journal.org/articles/ocl/full_html/2014/05/ocl140030/ocl140030.html

http://www.inra.fr/Entreprises-Monde-agricole/Resultats-innovation-transfert/Toutes-les-actualites/huile-d-olive-seniors