The fats found in olive oil could be the key to anti-ageing and longer life, a new study has found.
While previous studies have suggested red wine was a major contributor to the overwhelming health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, researchers at the University of Minnesota have now reported that the effects of olive oil are actually the most potent.
The fat in the oil is believed to activate a pathway in cells known to increase lifespan and prevent age-related diseases. Scientists also claimed olive oil is most effective when coupled with a reduction of calories and exercise.
“We found that the way this fat works is it first has to get stored in microscopic things called lipid droplets, which is how our cells store fat,” study leader Professor Doug Mashek explained. “And then, when the fat is broken down during exercising or fasting, for example, is when the signalling and beneficial effects are realised.”
Professor Mashek is now working with his team to translate their pivotal findings into new drugs. He also wants to use the study to help tailor dietary regimens to improve patients’ long-term health.
“We want to understand the biology, and then translate it to humans, hopefully changing the paradigm of healthcare from someone going to eight different doctors to treat his or her eight different disorders,” he shared. “These are all ageing-related diseases, so let’s treat ageing.”
