Foods That Help You Live Longer

Olive Oil

Like avocados, olive oil had been given a bad name for its high fat content. While moderation is important, most of the fat in olive oil is actually a healthy type of dietary fat known as monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). MUFAs have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, and recent research found that adults who regularly used olive oil had a 41 percent lower risk of stroke. Studies have also shown that a compound in olive oil, called oleocanthal, works much like ibuprofen and aspirin to prevent processes that lead to inflammation. By dampening inflammation and pain, regularly using olive oil may benefit those with RA and osteoarthritis.

Reviewed by: 
Review Date: 
April 16, 2014

Citation: 
Last Updated:
July 1, 2014