The Health Wonders of Extra Virgin Olive Oil for Cancer Prevention

Cancer remains one of the most significant health challenges worldwide, affecting millions of lives each year. According to the latest data from the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is the second leading cause of death in Europe, responsible for nearly one-quarter of all deaths.

The most common types of cancer vary across EU countries but often include lung, breast, colorectal, prostate, and skin cancers. Several factors contribute to the high prevalence of cancer in the region, including an aging population, lifestyle choices such as smoking and unhealthy diets, environmental pollutants, and disparities in access to healthcare services.

Efforts to address these risk factors are crucial in reducing such impact.

At the individual level, we can all protect ourselves by adopting healthy habits such as the Mediterranean diet.

The Mediterranean diet is renowned for its health benefits, including its role in reducing the risk of cancer. It is characterized by being rich in bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids, which exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties.

The Role of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet and has been proven to deliver numerous health benefits, including the ability to protect against cancer. While all olive oil types have a beneficial fatty acid profile, only EVOO is rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols.

EVOO is cold-extracted from the first pressing of olives, without the use of excessive heat or chemical solvents, making it the purest and most nutrient-rich form of olive oil, as when olive oil is exposed to extreme heat it loses some of its polyphenol content and flavor.

Moreover, other factors such as olive variety and harvest timing highly influence polyphenol content. Polyphenol levels tend to be highest in olives harvested early in the season, often referred to as "early harvest" or "green harvest". These olives are picked when they are still green and underripe, resulting in olive oil with a robust flavor profile and elevated polyphenol content. Further, proper storage conditions and date of consumption are highly important to preserve these compounds, as their content may gradually decline with time.

The Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil against Cancer

1. Anti-inflammatory Properties:

Chronic inflammation is a key driver of cancer development, promoting tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. Extra virgin olive oil contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds like oleocanthal that help lower inflammation levels throughout the body, potentially reducing the risk of cancer initiation and progression.

2. Antioxidant Effects:

The antioxidants present in extra virgin olive oil, particularly polyphenols such as hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein, play a crucial role in protecting cells from oxidative stress and DNA damage. By scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative harm, these antioxidants help maintain cellular integrity and lower the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.

3. Cancer Cell Inhibition:

Bioactive compounds in extra virgin olive oil, such as oleuropein, oleocanthal, and hydroxytyrosol, have been shown to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and impede tumor growth. Oleocanthal, for example, specifically kills human cancer cells, but not normal, non-cancerous cells, as found by researchers.

Therefore, while there is no single solution to preventing and combating cancer, extra virgin olive oil, particularly early harvests is packed with monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds, which help strengthen, nourish, and protect our bodies while enriching the culinary experience.

By harnessing its beneficial properties, everyone can take proactive steps to support their health, reduce their risk of cancer and promote their overall wellbeing. As part of a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, extra virgin olive oil serves as a healthy, flavorful and versatile ally in the kitchen.

At Trull Mas Pòlit, we are passionate about maintaining the utmost purity throughout the production chain, prioritizing the quality of the raw materials and preserving the organoleptic and nutritional properties of our olives. The result is a high-quality extra virgin olive oil, particularly the Argudell, that is a powerhouse of supportive vital nutrients and antioxidants.