The amazing health properties of olives.

Olive products are key constituents of the Mediterranean diet, which is considered to be highly protective against proliferation of damaged or mutated cells. In this study, researchers investigated the effect on cell proliferation and apoptosis (programmed death of DNA-damaged cells) in colon cancer cells treated with an extract from the skin of olives. Results showed the spread of the cancerous cells had stopped. Apoptosis (cell death) was confirmed by microscopic observation. Results reported for the first time that the inhibition of cell proliferation and the restoration of apoptosis in colon cancer cells were achieved by specific antioxidant compounds present in olive fruit extracts.1

In another study, researchers investigated the benefits of Oleuropein, a powerful antioxidant and anti-angiogenic agent (prevents the formation of blood vessels, which caner cells need to survive) derived from the olive tree. The researchers showed that oleuropein inhibited the proliferation and migration of advanced-grade tumor cell lines. Oleuropein irreversibly rounded cancer cells, preventing their replication, motility, and invasiveness, effects, which were reversible in normal cells. When administered orally to mice that developed spontaneous tumors, Oleuropein completely regressed tumors in 9-12 days. When tumors were resected prior to complete regression, they lacked cohesiveness and had a crumbly consistency. No functioning cells could be recovered from these tumors. These observations elevate Oleuropein from a non-toxic antioxidant into a potent anti-tumor agent with direct effects against tumor cells. This data may also explain the cancer-protective effects of the olive-rich Mediterranean diet.2

Olives have also been attributed to heart health. In this study, lab animals were treated for 6 weeks with doses of oleuropein. Results showed there were reduced total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. In addition, Oleuropein reduced the infarct size (damage to the heart of the animals), conferred strong antioxidant protection and reduced the circulating lipids (cholesterol).

References:
1. J. Nutr. 136:2553-2557, October 2006
2. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2005 Sep 2;334(3):769-78