Study looks at anti-cancer properties of olive oil

A study published in the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) Journal examined how olive oil may account for the significant difference in cancer rates between Northern and Southern Europeans.

The researchers looked at urine samples from volunteers from Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, and Spain, who consumed 25 milliliters of olive oil every day for three weeks. They measured levels of specific compounds known to be waste by-products of oxidative damage to cells, a precursor to cancer.

At the beginning of the trial, the presence of these waste by-products was much higher in Northern European subjects than their Southern European counterparts. By the end of three weeks, however, the presence of this compound in Northern European subjects was substantially reduced.

Another olive related product that has been receiving attention lately for its health benefits is olive leaf extract. The product is usually sold as a nutritional supplement in health stores and pharmacies.

Olive leaf extract (OLE) is a powerful anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory agent which has been shown to be effective in the treatment of many conditions where antibiotics and other conventional medications have been found to be ineffective.

Olive leaf extract traditionally received little attention in medical circles, despite a wealth of anecdotal evidence indicating its efficacy for the treatment of a multitude of conditions.

Olive leaf extract has been receiving more attention recently, after clinical research done at the New York University School of Medicine found the natural extract to be effective against HIV without being toxic to uninfected cells.

It was also shown to have a synergistic effect with existing antiretrovirals, and is reportedly being used to reduce the side effects of HAART (Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy).

Research conducted at the New York University School of Medicine found that olive leaf extract inhibits both HIV acute infection and replication.

Olive leaf extract also appears to be effective in the treatment of many of the opportunistic infections associated with HIV , like Kaposi's sarcoma and HSV (herpes simplex).

To date there are no reports of serious side effects from olive leaf extract. Some people do however experience what is known as Herxheimers Reaction, which is caused by the die-off of a large amount of pathogens on the detoxification systems of body.

[Source: www.greenclippings.co.za/gc_main/article.php?story=20061227202408249]

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