Health Benefits of Olives and Olive Oil

A research team discovered that the olive-derived compound oleuropein helps prevent type 2 diabetes.

Traditional Olive oil. Image credit: TICKoper/Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

The health benefits of olives -- and associated natural products such as olive oil -- have long been recognized and touted by proponents of the Mediterranean diet.

However, little was previously known about what specific compounds and biochemical interactions in the fruit contribute to its medical and nutritional benefits such as weight loss and prevention of type 2 diabetes.

A Virginia Tech research team discovered that the olive-derived compound oleuropein helps the body secrete more insulin, a central signaling molecule in the body that controls metabolism. The same compound also detoxifies another signaling molecule called amylin that over-produces and forms harmful aggregates in type 2 diabetes.

In these two distinct ways, oleuropein helps prevent the onset of disease.

"Our work provides new mechanistic insights into the long-standing question of why olive products can be anti- diabetic," said Bin Xu, lead author, assistant professor of biochemistry in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and a Fralin Life Science Institute affiliate. "We believe it will not only contribute to the biochemistry of the functions of the olive component oleuropein, but also have an impact on the general public to pay more attention to olive products in light of the current diabetes epidemic."

The discovery could help improve understanding of the scientific basis of health benefits of olive products and develop new, low-cost nutraceutical strategies to fight type 2 diabetes and related obesity. (Tasnim News Agency)

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Gene Therapy Used to Treat Hemophilia

Hemophilia is a rare bleeding disorder in which blood doesn’t clot normally. Researchers from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the University College London, and the Royal Free Hospital have been studying the long-term effectiveness and safety of using gene therapy to treat the disease.

Long-term increased risk of cancer death following common treatment for hyperthyroidism

Findings from a study of patients who received radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment for hyperthyroidism show an association between the dose of treatment and long-term risk of death from solid cancers, including breast cancer.

Children who walk to school less likely to be overweight or obese, study suggests

Children who regularly walk or cycle to school are less likely to be overweight or obese than those who travel by car or public transport, a new study suggests.

Many Breast Cancer Patients Can Skip Chemo

Most women diagnosed with early stages of common forms of breast cancer may be able to avoid having to undergo chemotherapy, according to a new study.

Neurons That Control Brain's Body Clock Identified

Researchers have found that dopamine-producing neurons are connected with the brain's circadian center.

Scientists identify spasm in women with endometriosis-associated chronic pelvic pain

Pelvic pain associated with endometriosis often becomes chronic and can persist (or recur) following surgical and hormonal interventions. According to a new study, treating pelvic floor muscle spasm with botulinum toxin may relieve pain and improve quality of life.