Most people know that getting sufficient calcium and vitamin D can help maintain healthy bones and prevent or delay the onset of osteoporosis, but few may realize that a compound found in extra-virgin olive oil plays an essential role in preventing the bone-softening disease.
In 1997, researchers in Greece discovered that a diet high in extra-virgin olive oil appeared to promote greater bone mineral density in healthy men and women, 25-69 years of age. Those who consumed the most olive oil tended to have the highest bone mineral density and presumably enjoyed a reduced risk of osteoporosis.
Since that time, scientists have identified oleuropein, a disease-fighting polyphenol abundant in olive tree products, as the compound that promotes healthy bone mineral density. Research has shown that oleuropein is the compound responsible for most of the health benefits of olive oil, including its effect as a potent anti-inflammatory molecule that is also active against cancer, atherosclerosis, skin aging, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Osteoporosis linked to fatty bones
Bone loss has been linked to insufficient osteoblast (bone building cell) function associated with the accumulation of fat in bone cells (adipogenesis). As humans age, the progressive fatty infiltration of bone marrow can lead to bone weakening and osteoporosis.
Researchers in Spain recently discovered that adding oleuropein to growing bone marrow cells in the laboratory decreased the expression of genes that promote adipogenesis and consequently promote healthy osteoblast formation. The researchers concluded, “Our data suggest that oleuropein, highly abundant in olive tree products included in the traditional Mediterranean diet, could prevent age-related bone loss and osteoporosis.”
A newly published study found that elderly men who consumed a Mediterranean diet enriched with virgin olive oil for two years had higher blood levels of a protein (osteocalcin) that promotes bone mineralization.
In addition to oleuropein, sufficient intakes of boron, calcium, curcumin, green tea, magnesium, manganese, vitamin K2, and vitamin B12 have all been shown to promote healthy bone mineral density.
What you need to know
Achieving and maintaining healthy bone mineral density for life requires consuming a natural foods-based diet that contains sufficient protein, bone-boosting polyphenols and minerals from vegetables and fruits, and following a supplement plan that ensures optimal intakes of nutrients that promote bone health. Scientists now believe that the olive-based polyphenol, oleuropein, should be added to the list of nutrients that promote optimal bone health and help stave off osteoporosis as we age.
For those calorie-conscious dieters who would like to reap the benefits of olive oil without consuming excessive calories, there’s a zero-calorie alternative: an oleuropein-rich olive leaf extract is now available in capsule form.
Sources:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9144765
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21539839
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20495905
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22855341
Robert Haas, MS, is a world-renown sports nutrition consultant, NY Times #1-bestselling author, and nutraceutical product developer. He is the CEO of www.paleopharm.com, a blog devoted to nutraceutical solutions for fitness and healthy aging.
