
Anti-inflammatory effects of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Newly pressed extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) was first noticed by US scientist Gary Beauchamp, who was visiting Italy in 1999, to induce a strong stinging sensation in the throat, not unlike that caused by solutions of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug Ibuprofen. He returned to the US to undertake further research and, with colleagues, managed to isolate the chemical molecule responsible, which worked in the body to inhibit the same enzyme as the anti-inflammatory drug Ibuprofen does. We now know from a wide range of evidence that phenolic compounds of which there are at least 36 present in EVOO are endowed with anti-inflammatory and joint protective properties and this is an exciting development in the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis as it supports the possibility of natural diet components to pharmacological drug treatment. This is also important for those of us riding out a warm summer, keep your feet and ankles in great shape by enjoying plenty of delicious extra virgin olive oil!