Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Has Anti-Cancer Components

Olive Oil By Saher Selod

A recent study by Javier Menendez and colleagues found that a chemical in extra-virgin olive oil reduced certain cancer genes. The study showed that good quality extra-virgin olive oil contains certain chemicals that can reduce the risk for breast cancer.

Researchers found that the phytochemicals in extra-virgin olive oil are capable of suppressing the cancer gene HER2. Because extra-virgin olive oil is made without heat or chemical treatments, the phytochemicals remain intact and are more able to combat the cancer gene than heated oils. Menendez and colleagues found that the heat and chemicals used to make olive oil often result in phytochemicals being lost.

This study leads researchers and scientists to believe that there is mounting evidence that our diet plays a role in reducing cancer risks.

The question remains if studies like this will find similar results in humans.

Source: Menendez, J., Vasquez-Martin, A. Garcia-Villalba, R. et al. 2008. Anti-HER2 oncogene effects on phenolic compounds directly isolated from commercial Extra-Virgin Olive Oil. BMC Cancer 8:377-408.

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