There is no doubt that olives and olive oil are part of a healthy diet and this is a large controlled research project which gives it credibility. The oil itself is special because compared to the other monounsaturated fats it has around 72 percent oleic acid which is peri-oxidation resistant and has many other antioxidant components. The fat is relatively stable too making it great for cooking.
However, I think it would be very misleading for the public to think that one single oil can single-handedly prevent cancer – it takes a well rounded diet full of other nutrients and antioxidants to compliment it. We can consume all the olive oil we want but if we are still going through a drive-through twice a day or filling our grocery carts with 85 percent processed foods then olive oil doesn’t have a chance as a component of cancer prevention.
The Mediterranean diet focuses on olive oil as the primary fat source. If followed, it is a great way to also balance the rest of ones diet while getting all the benefits of olive oil.
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This content has been written or reviewed by a member of the Baylor Scott & White Health medical staff.
