We know olive oil is good for the heart. Its monounsaturated fats have a reputation for lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) and raising HDL (good cholesterol).Now, researchers have found another benefit of olive oil - the ability to reduce pain and inflammation, much like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Advil® or Motrin® can.
This time the benefit is not due to olive oil's monounsaturated fats, but to a newly discovered chemical the researchers named oleocanthal. It was found occurring naturally in the extra-virgin type of olive oil.
For a summary of the researchers' findings:
Olive Oil Contains Natural Anti-inflammatory Agent
The article appears in the September 1 issue of the journal Nature (editor's summary only, subscription required for full article.):
Phytochemistry: Ibuprofen-like Activity in Extra-virgin Olive Oil
