Researchers from the “Lipid Metabolism Epigenetics” working group at IMDEA Food and the “Obesity, Diabetes and their Interactions: Prevention and Treatment” research group at the Institute for Biomedical Research and Nanomedicine in Málaga (IBIMA BIONAND platform) conducted a study investigating the effects of hydroxytyrosol, a component of extra virgin olive oil, on colon cancer cells.
They discovered that this component can alter the activity of certain parts of cellular DNA. This alteration occurs through a process called methylation. Certain genes, such as the EDNRA gene, can be influenced by hydroxytyrosol. These findings help us better understand the effects of extra virgin olive oil on our health.
Manuel Macías from IBIMA and Dr. Dávalos of IMDEA Alimentación, the researchers responsible for the study, explained: “Our results show that cellular supplementation with HT has an impact on the specific map of the methylome, and we identified the EDNRA gene as a possible target.” These results provide us with greater insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial health effects of extra virgin olive oil.
Dr. Hatim Boughanem and Dr. María del Carmen López de las Hazas, a researcher on the study, emphasized: “This work demonstrates the ability of certain nutrients or bioactive components of foods to regulate our epigenome and thus reduce the risk of certain diseases. This opens the possibility of exploring new food components and incorporating them into our diets to improve our health and prevent widespread diseases.
These findings provide new insights into the effects of extra virgin olive oil and hydroxytyrosol on DNA and their potential impact on the prevention and treatment of colon cancer.” This contributes to a better understanding of the benefits of the Mediterranean diet and promotes its acceptance as a healthy dietary option for everyone.
Recent research suggests a link between excessive consumption of seed oils and an increased incidence of colon cancer, especially in younger people. Per capita consumption of oils such as sunflower, rapeseed, corn, and grapeseed oil has increased dramatically, amid concerns about the rise in colon cancer among people under 50.
A study of colon cancer patients found high concentrations of bioactive lipids in tumor tissue. These compounds, byproducts of seed oil breakdown, promote inflammation and impair the body’s immune response against tumors. The chronic inflammation caused by excessive consumption of these oils can exacerbate cancer cell mutations in the colon.
Although moderate consumption of seed oils may be beneficial for cardiovascular health, researchers emphasize that excessive consumption is harmful. To minimize these risks, it is recommended to prioritize oils high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as olive or avocado oil. These findings underscore the importance of changing dietary habits and reducing the consumption of highly processed foods to prevent the development of colon cancer.
In recent decades, a growing body of research has examined the beneficial effects of consuming extra virgin olive oil. In addition to hydroxytyrosol, extra virgin olive oil contains several bioactive compounds.
Hydroxytyrosol is one of thousands of phenols naturally occurring in plants. Its properties make it one of the most beneficial antioxidants among the phenols and other healthy components of extra virgin olive oil. Its 99% bioavailability allows for almost complete absorption into the human body at the time of consumption.
Major dietary sources include extra virgin olive oil, olives, olive paste, and olive leaf extract. These foods are rich in hydroxytyrosol, which contributes significantly to the healthy and beneficial profile of the Mediterranean diet.
While analyzing the specific properties of hydroxytyrosol, researchers also discovered that its presence in extra virgin olive oil enhances the effects of other beneficial compounds. It acts synergistically with other bioactive compounds in extra virgin olive oil, such as oleic acid and polyphenols, thus enhancing the overall health benefits of its consumption.
Given these properties, the action of hydroxytyrosol contributes significantly to the positive effects of consuming extra virgin olive oil. ItsIt enhances the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of extra virgin olive oil, making it a valuable ingredient for preventing and combating non-communicable diseases.
The anti-inflammatory properties of hydroxytyrosol inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory molecules. Non-communicable diseases are usually caused by chronic inflammation that lasts for several years and can trigger serious illnesses.
Given the central role of olive oil in health benefits, researchers have published various methods over the years, but none are sufficient to determine the hydroxytyrosol content of extra virgin olive oil.
Today, these methods allow extra virgin olive oil producers to determine the phenol and polyphenol content in their products and their evolution over the years. Currently, few producers list the polyphenol content on the labels of their extra virgin olive oil. However, the phenolic profile of extra virgin olive oil is becoming increasingly important to consumers.
In this sense, the protective effects of hydroxytyrosol against several non-communicable diseases are moderated by its ability to scavenge free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, modulate inflammatory responses, and improve various cellular functions.
Studies have also shown that hydroxytyrosol supplementation improves endothelial function, which plays a crucial role in cardiovascular health.
Hydroxytyrosol supplementation promotes blood vessel dilation, improves blood flow, and reduces the risk of endothelial dysfunction, a key factor in the development of cardiovascular disease.
The precise mechanisms underlying these effects are being intensively investigated to exploit hydroxytyrosol’s full therapeutic potential.
Important Note: aceitedelcampo.com promotes the consumption of extra virgin olive oil for its culinary qualities and health benefits. However, no medication or current treatment should be replaced without the guidance of a healthcare professional.
ALZAYT EXPORT SL
info@aceitedelcampo.com
C/ Eduardo Bosca 19, 2-5
46023 Valencia
Subscribe and receive a coupon by email for your next purchase.
