*By Dr Devan
For centuries, olive oil has been regarded as the liquid gold of the Mediterranean — a cornerstone of good health and longevity. Modern science has now confirmed what ancient wisdom always knew: olive oil is one of nature’s most powerful protectors against cancer.
Rich in antioxidants, healthy monounsaturated fats, and anti-inflammatory compounds, olive oil acts as a shield for the body’s cells, preventing the mutations and oxidative damage that can trigger cancer formation.
How Olive Oil Protects Against Cancer
Rich in Antioxidants
Olive oil contains potent antioxidants such as polyphenols, oleocanthal, and hydroxytyrosol. These compounds neutralise free radicals — unstable molecules that damage DNA and initiate cancerous growth.
Anti-inflammatory Power
Chronic inflammation is one of the key triggers of cancer. Olive oil’s natural anti-inflammatory agents, particularly oleocanthal, act like nature’s own ibuprofen — reducing inflammation throughout the body and creating an environment hostile to cancer development.
Protects Cell Membranes
The monounsaturated fats in olive oil strengthen cell membranes, making them more resistant to oxidative stress and less likely to undergo malignant changes.
Regulates Hormones
Olive oil helps balance hormones, especially estrogen, which is linked to certain cancers such as breast and ovarian cancer. By stabilising hormone metabolism, it reduces the risk of hormonal cancers.
Supports Detoxification
Olive oil supports the liver’s detoxifying functions, aiding in the elimination of carcinogens and other toxins that can accumulate in the body.
Improves Gut Health
A healthy gut microbiome plays a vital role in immunity and cancer prevention. Olive oil nourishes beneficial gut bacteria, which in turn help in preventing colon and gastric cancers.
Scientific Backing Studies from Mediterranean regions — where olive oil consumption is highest — show significantly lower rates of breast, colon, and pancreatic cancers compared to countries that rely on processed oils.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that people who consumed extra virgin olive oil daily had a 30% lower risk of developing cancer and heart disease compared to those who didn’t.
The oleocanthal in olive oil has even shown the ability to selectively destroy cancer cells in laboratory studies — without harming healthy cells.
How to Use Olive Oil for Maximum Benefit
Take one tablespoon (about 15 ml) of extra virgin olive oil daily, preferably in the morning on an empty stomach. Use it as a salad dressing or drizzle it over cooked vegetables, soups, or whole-grain dishes — but avoid overheating it, as excessive heat can destroy its beneficial compounds. Always choose cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil — the purest and most potent form.
Conclusion
Nature has provided olive oil, a simple yet profound medicine — one that heals, protects, and nourishes from within. By making a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil a daily ritual, you give your body a natural defence against cancer and a foundation for lifelong health. A tablespoon a day keeps cancer away — naturally.
*Dr Devan is a Mangaluru-based ENT specialist and author.
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