Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has garnered attention for its potential health benefits, particularly in relation to cancer prevention. Studies from the PREDIMED trial suggest that a Mediterranean diet enriched with EVOO may reduce the risk of breast cancer by 28%. Further research is needed to confirm these findings, but systematic reviews and meta-analyses have consistently shown that adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, characterized by high consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, significantly lowers the risk of various cancers including colorectal, breast, gastric, liver, head and neck, and prostate cancers.Researchers discovered that oleocanthal, a compound in EVOO, induces lysosomal membrane permeabilization in cancer cells, leading to cell death. This was observed in both lab-grown cells and mice with pancreatic tumors, where high-oleocanthal EVOO proved more effective than low-oleocanthal oils .This highlights EVOO’s potential role in cancer prevention and treatment, emphasizing the importance of dietary factors in overall health.
Definitions:
Oleocanthal- Oleocanthal is a natural compound found in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It belongs to a class of compounds called phenolic compounds, which are responsible for many of the health benefits associated with olive oil.
Lysosomal Membrane Permeabilization – Lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) is a cellular process where the membrane of the lysosome becomes disrupted, allowing the contents of the lysosome to leak into the cytoplasm. This can have significant effects on the cell, often leading to cell death.
