The value of olive oil, the miracle fruit juice obtained from the immortal tree of the Mediterranean, is gradually increasing in recent research. Olive oil, which has been used for 7500 years according to known history, is frequently mentioned in ancient texts and holy books. Cardiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Murat Gençbay gave information about the effects of olive oil on the heart and body.
Olive oil lowers bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol. Additionally, it has an anticoagulant and blood-thinning effect. Cardiology Specialist Prof. stated that olive oil also reduces heart attacks and related deaths. Dr. Murat Gençbay made important posts about the Mediterranean diet and olive oil. Dr. Gençbay, “The strong antioxidants in olive oil prevent the oxidation of bad cholesterol and have an anti-atherogenic effect. Apart from these three important mechanisms of action, there are other factors. Other secondary factors such as lowering blood pressure and preventing diabetes also reduce the rate of heart disease. Dr. In Ancel Keys' "7 country study" completed in 1968, the number of heart attacks was 26 per ten thousand in Cretans, while it was 1074 per ten thousand in Northern Finland, which consumes a lot of animal fat. Although Cretans consumed more fat than those in the West, their cholesterol levels were lower. In the PREDİMED study, the arteriosclerosis index in the main vessels leading to the brain was found to be lower in people eating a Mediterranean diet. In Athens, the risk of heart disease was found to be 37% lower in people who consumed olive oil outside of food, in the form of salads or sauces. "In the EPIC study, those who consumed 1 tablespoon of additional extra virgin olive oil reduced the risk of heart disease by 14%," he said.
Olive Oil Forms the Heart of the Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet takes into account the diet and lifestyle of people living in this region. It is a diet defined by Many health benefits have been discovered. Dr. Gençbay, “Olive oil forms the heart of the diet. In addition, unprocessed grains, seasonal vegetables and fruits, legumes and nuts are consumed frequently. Fish is consumed a few days a week. Red meat is rarely eaten once or twice a month. Sheep and goat milk is generally used in milk and dairy products. once a day Two glasses of wine are consumed. Harvesting of olives usually starts in November. In this early harvest, antioxidants called very strong phenols and some other important health-beneficial compounds are higher than in the late harvest. That's why it is so valuable,” he said.
Dr. Gençbay continued his words as follows: “The story of the Mediterranean diet, Dr. It started when a researcher named Ancel Keys, during his trip to Greece in the 50s, noticed that the people of that region were much healthier and lived to later ages. Dr Keys later stated in his memoirs that in villages in the Crete region the proportion of people over the age of 100 was ten times that in Paris. In the Mediterranean Region, heart diseases and deaths from them were quite low. Moreover; arthrosis and dementia were seen less frequently. Later, it was noticed that osteoporosis and related hip fractures were less common in these people.”
Mediterranean Diet Reduces Stroke Rates
Dr. Gençbay said, “According to a study published in 2011 in the highly respected journal Neurology, a 41% reduction in strokes was found with the Mediterranean diet in 7500 patients. Moreover, when comparing those who consumed the least olive oil with those who consumed the most, this difference increased to 78%. "In this study, the brain vessels were also examined and it was observed that the arteriosclerosis there was significantly less," he informed.
Olive Oil Prevents Parkinson's, Reduces Osteoporosis and Hip Fractures
“Arthrosis is less common in societies that eat a Mediterranean diet. The number of attacks due to rheumatoid arthritis decreases and the rate of hypertension is lower in the society. The risk of developing Diabetes is lower. Insulin resistance decreases. "It has a reducing effect on dementia," said Dr. Gençbay added: “There are studies showing that Oleochantal contained in olive oil may be an agent that can be used in the treatment of Alzheimer's. It has the feature of preventing Parkinson's. In a study by the University of Florence, Dr. Sophie found a 13% reduction in the incidence of Parkinson's. Hexanal, which gives the oily taste to olive oil, has antibacterial properties. H pylori' Its effectiveness against stomach ulcers is beneficial. "It has a reducing effect on osteoporosis and hip fractures." ) Stating that it is rarer in societies that eat a Mediterranean diet, Dr. Gençbay continued his words as follows: “In a study, it was seen that olive oil prevented the growth of liver cancer. It has been determined that Oleochantal has the ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in prostate and breast cancer. In addition, people who follow a Mediterranean diet are less likely to be overweight. There is a tendency to lose weight. "In a very recent study conducted in Spain, following more than 3 thousand people, body weight was found to be significantly lower in people who adhered to the Mediterranean diet," said Dr. Gençbay concluded his words as follows: “The mechanism that repairs DNA damage at the ends of chromosomes, which we call telomeres, is related to lifespan. Studies have shown that people who consume a lot of olive oil have longer telomeres. When people over the age of 90 were examined in Sicily, it was seen that these people were more likely to stick to the Mediterranean diet.”
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