One 'superfood' can reduce risk of inflammation, diabetes and heart disease

Tim Spector, a leading genetic epidemiology professor at King's College London and the brains behind the Zoe health app, has singled out a 'superfood' that could be a game-changer for reducing the risk of major health issues.

Prof Spector, who usually shies away from using the term 'superfood', suggests that incorporating just one spoonful of olive oil into your daily diet could fend off cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, type 2 diabetes, and even cancer.

Despite its association with less healthy fare due to being an oil, olive oil is packed with significant health benefits, Prof Spector explained on Instagram: "If I did believe in 'superfoods' olive oil would be one of them. While many of us were taught to fear fat, research shows that diets rich in extra virgin olive oil are associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and cancer."

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He also highlighted the presence of polyphenols in high-quality olive oil and their substantial impact on our well-being: "Many of these benefits are attributed to the high polyphenol count in extra virgin olive oil. Not only do these polyphenols exert powerful anti-inflammatory effects but they also promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, contributing to good gut health. And more than anything else, I can't think of a better combination than olive oil and delicious (almost) in season tomatoes delicious. There are few dishes that aren't improved with a drizzle of olive oil, both for your health and your taste buds. There's a reason olive oil is the cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet."

Dr Michael Mosley, a friend and colleague of the longevity researcher who passed away recently, was also known to champion olive oil, citing significant health benefits. He stated: "Olive oil is also rich in something called Oleic acid, which, along with the polyphenols, could explain why a good glug of olive oil a day can lower inflammation, improve our memory and reduce blood pressure."

He recommended splurging on the pricier extra virgin olive oil for its superior health perks, advising that it surpasses alternatives like rapeseed oil. Dr Mosley highlighted, "In a recent Spanish study of over 12,000 people, researchers found that those who had a tablespoon and a half of olive oil a day were half as likely to die from cardiovascular disease, which is impressive.", reports Gloucestershire Live.

He clarified that the aforementioned study's positive findings were specifically associated with extra virgin olive oil consumption, not the refined or basic varieties. Moreover, he mentioned a 2020 review which concluded that all forms of olive oil intake could decrease blood pressure, albeit extra virgin olive oil had a more pronounced effect.