The super trio: How olive oil, nuts and avocado can help you live forever

The magic potion for a long and healthy life could be in your cupboard - in the form of olive oil. A form of fat found in the staple kitchen ingredient may help people to reach 100 years old, scientists claim.

Animals given the healthy compound, which is also found in avocado and nuts, were found to live longer. Experts believe the findings may also be relevant to humans as we apparently share similar qualities with the animals.

Stanford University School of Medicine researchers believe the fat helps to protect cells from the signs of aging. They also said it allows the body to quickly access energy from foods in the study published in the journal Nature.

Lead author Professor Anne Brunet said: 'We have known for some time metabolic changes can affect lifespan, but we expected the long-lived animals in our study would be thinner.

'Instead, they turned out to be fatter. This was quite a surprise.'

It may also explain why southern Europeans, who frequently eat olive oil in their Mediterranean diet, live longer and have lower rates of heart disease, despite consuming more fat.

In the study, roundworms were fed mono-unsaturated fatty acids, which are already known to reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Not only did the roundworms become obese, but they also lived two days longer on average than their svelte counterparts. Their average lifespan is a fortnight.

Research has previously shown roundworms that lack a complex of proteins called COMPASS live for 30 per cent longer than their peers. 

Tests later found blocking COMPASS helped convert unhealthy polyunsaturated fats in the animals' guts into mono-unsaturated fats. This came as a surprise as severe calorie restriction has also been shown to extend the lifespan of worms and many other animals.

The researchers are now working to understand how the mono-unsaturated fatty acid accumulation might work to extend lifespan.

Humans with diets rich in mono-unsaturated fats have been shown to have a reduced risk for heart disease and diabetes.

Some studies have even shown that centenarians store more mono-unsaturated fat than non-centenarians. 

Commenting on the study, London-based nutritionist Rob Hobson said 'it has many health benefits' mainly supporting the heart.

Healthspan's head of nutrition added: 'It contains unique anti oxidants that reduce inflammation such as oleocanthal.

'Like all healthy foods it’s energy dense so by that although good for you you still need to eat in moderation.' 

Also read:

• 9 healthy FATS that can help you live longer
• Health benefits of extra virgin olive oil
• Experts tell doctors they should prescribe olive oil, vegetables and nuts before turning to pills
• A powerful reason to eat like the Greeks

Health benefits of extra virgin olive oil

The health benefits of consuming extra virgin olive oil are many. It is rich in vitamin E, it contains modest amounts of Vitamins E and K, and plenty of beneficial fatty acids, as well as many other nutrients. 

Olive oil is a major component of the Mediterranean diet. Populations from that region have longer life expectancies and lower risks of heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke, compared with North Americans and Northern Europeans.

But olive oil has been around for thousands of years and during all those times, it’s been praised for its healing powers and health benefits.

The Cretes were exporting olive oil as far back as in 2575 B.C. Also, Greek mythology as well as the Bible has a mention of it. 

The following is a list of some of the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil:

• It decreases the risk of heart disease,
• It helps to lower bad cholesterol, and maintains the beneficial HDL cholesterol,
• It lowers the effect on blood pressure,
• It helps to prevent stroke,
• Olive oil helps prevent diabetes. It also appears to lower blood sugar or glucose levels in diabetics,
• Olive oil-rich diets may lead to greater and long-lasting weight loss, than a low-fat diet,
• It’s beneficial for the stomach, pancreas, and the intestines,
• It protects against ulcerative colitis,
• It protects the liver from oxidative stress,
• Helps with arthritis, 
• It fights osteoporosis,
• It’s beneficial during pregnancy, and whilst breast feeding,
• Olive oil strengthens immune system,
• Olive oil contains a wide variety of valuable antioxidants that help to keep free radicals in check,
• It helps with anti-aging, and skin damage,
• It helps in the natural treatment of eczema and psoriasis,
• It’s good for your sex life,
• Longevity.

Depression risk and olive oil

People whose diets are high in trans fats - fast foods and mass-produced foods like pastries - may have a higher risk of depression, compared with those whose diets are rich in mono- and polyunsaturated fats.

According to a study carried out at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in Spain and published in PLoS ONE, olive oil appears to have a slight protective effect regarding depression risk.

Olive Oil For Cancer

Studies have shown, that adding extra virgin olive oil to your daily diet may reduce your risk of breast, colorectal, prostate, and esophageal cancers. As it contains a protective element that assists against certain malignant tumours in these regions.

Ever wondered why the Mediterranean women have such good skin? They’ve been using extra virgin olive oil as a moisturiser for centuries. Try it yourself and see the magic! Use a little to start with and add more if you need, instead of using those alcohol based moisturizers that are filled with all sorts of chemicals.

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• Benefits of prickly pear oil
• Essential oils and brain injuries