Oil your brain

Written by Joseph M. Zappala D.C | 14 August 2010


Olive Oil Active May Protect Brain Cells

You may know that I am an Italian, more specifically Sicilian. Our family grew up with the Mediterranean diet. There were several ingredients in our food that were very prominent such as garlic, olive oil, fish etc. The following explains why your diet should include extra virgin olive oil.

 

A substance found in extra virgin olive oil, hydroxytyrosol, may protect neurons (nerve cells)  from the normal deterioration associated with aging. We could all use that.
Hydroxytyrosol was found to protect brain cells from the detrimental effects of oxidative stress and may offer a neuroprotective effect that may slow the decline in cognitive performance that occurs with age, according to findings published in Pharmacological Research. Hydroxytyrosol is thought to be the main antioxidant compound in olives, and believed to play a significant role in the many health benefits attributed to olive oil. Previous research has linked the compound to cardiovascular benefits, with reductions in LDL or 'bad' cholesterol. Data also suggests the this compound may boost eye health and reduce the risk of macular degeneration. Numerous studies have shown that virgin olive oil has multiple health benefits. The primary active ingredients of olive oil are the polyphenolic compounds which give this fruit oil its dark color and bitter taste. Olive oil along with omega-3 fatty acids are key components of the Mediterranean diet which has been show to significantly reduce the risk of most major chronic diseases.

Make sure you get good quality extra virgin olive oil. Not all are created equal. You don't need to buy it from the gourmet store but you should not buy it at Costco either.

For more information regarding brain health please visit http://www.amenclinics.com/ 


 

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Joseph M. Zappala D.C - Publisher

Dr. Zappala has been a chiropractor for the last 24 years and specializes in the treatment of sports injuries, especially those related to the golf swing. He treats athletes from all sports including gymnastics, dance, tennis, baseball, football, basketball and hockey. As a former athlete, Dr. Zappala understands the functional connection between what he does as a chiropractor and how an athlete performs at his or her sport. He performs his assessments and prescribes treatment based in relieving pain and restoring function to the injured area. This often leads to increased performance and decrease in the recurrence of injuries. He preaches active care to all of his patients whether they are athletes or just aspiring to be. "Use it or lose it" 

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