Benefits of Olive Oil

Olive oil 'can cut cancer risk' Adding plenty of olive oil to a diet could help protect against cell damage that can lead to cancer, experts say. A study of 182 European men found those who had 25 millilitres of olive oil per day had reduced levels of a substance which indicates cell damage.

The Danish team said it may explain why many cancer rates are higher in northern Europe than the south, where olive oil is a major part of the diet.

Sales of olive oil have gone up 39% in the last five years and for the first time outstrip all other oils. Why? The Mediterranean diet has long been hailed as cutting the risk of a heart attack, with olive oil hailed as the key ingredient.

Scientists believe they have pinpointed the micronutrients in the oil that make it a good heart protector and say introducing it to a diet can have a significant impact.

Using olive oil in cooking may prevent the development of bowel cancer, research shows.
Writing in the medical journal Gut, a team from Barcelona say their findings suggest that olive oil may have some protective qualities.

The prevention of skin, breast and colon cancer has been linked to properties such as oleic acid and phenols, found in olive oil.