Study reveals that extra virgin olive oil works like the painkiller Ibuprofen

This is how extra virgin olive oil can work like a painkiller, reveals a study. Olive oil has been extensively used in cooking, especially since most health enthusiasts swear by extra virgin olive oil to keep up with their fitness goals. As per a revelation made after recent research, it was found that there are certain compounds in extra virgin olive oil that can naturally work like common painkillers like ibuprofen. Here’s all you need to know about this recent study and its findings.
Is extra virgin olive oil actually effective?
There’s no denying that extra virgin olive oil has ample antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, but as per a study conducted by the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia, it was found that an active ingredient in extra virgin olive oil known as oleocanthal contains a compound that mimics the effects of the painkiller ibuprofen. In fact, this compound has shown significant results in reducing headaches and arthritis pain in some cases, as per the research.

How much extra virgin olive oil?
Well, according to a study conducted by the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia, the lead researcher, Paul Breslin, mentioned that consuming a “daily dose of 50 g, or 4 tablespoons, of extra virgin olive oil confers the equivalent of around 10% of the recommended ibuprofen dose for adult pain relief.” He further elaborated on the matter that consuming extra virgin olive oil “won’t cure a headache immediately, but it may give you some of the long-term benefits of repeated ibuprofen use, including helping to ward off Alzheimer's.”

What is oleocanthal?
Oleocanthal is a compound that acts in the same way as painkiller ibuprofen to stifle components of a pain pathway called the prostaglandin system. According to Breslin, “the easiest way to check for oleocanthal is to sip the oil neat and see how strongly it stings the throat.” He went on to mention that this compound should be present in any extra-virgin oil. However, the concentrations may vary depending on a range of factors, such as the variety of olive and the age of the olives at pressing.

How to buy the best quality olive oil?
According to the research head Breslin, "Most supermarket-style extra-virgin olive oils will be relatively low in this compound," he explains. "But there are inexpensive olive oils available that have high levels. I buy mine at a local Greek store that imports oils directly from Crete and other Greek locales." In fact, he further suggests that the simple way to check the purity of olive oil and the presence of the active compound oleocanthal is to sip the oil neat and see how strongly it stings the throat; the greater the sting, the greater the oleocanthal level". Rich in monounsaturated fats that help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and boost good cholesterol (HDL).
What’s your take on it ?