When you swallow extra virgin olive oil, you get an irritation in your throat, just like the one you get when you swallow non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). That intrigued researchers into finding out the anti-inflammatory properties of the extra virgin olive oil. In 2005 researchers isolated the throat irritating enzyme and they found out that it contained the inflammatory activity of Cox-1 and Cox-2, just like the inti-inflammatory drugs do.
When you swallow extra virgin olive oil, it prevents the production of the chemicals that cause the pain and swelling of arthritis.
The study shows that a daily dose of extra virgin olive oil acts as a natural pain reliever and the Mediterranean product contains anti-inflammatory ingredients like aspirin and ibuprofen.
The enzyme’s soothing effects is named oleocanthal and may be responsible for more health benefits such as reduced risk of stroke, heart diseases, different kinds of cancer, dementia, which are caused by inflammation.
It is proven that oleocanthal’s anti-inflammatory properties are playing a major role in the health benefits associated with the Mediterranean diet where the main source of fat is the olive oil. And that is also what Dr. Paul Breslin said, of the Monell Chemical Senses Center in a news press release.