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You are here: Home / Nutrition / The Science of Using Oleocanthal Rich Olive Oil to Prevent and Treat Cancer
The Science of Using Oleocanthal Rich Olive Oil to Prevent and Treat Cancer

The Science of Using Oleocanthal Rich Olive Oil to Prevent and Treat Cancer

December 22, 2022 By Cade Hildreth Leave a Comment

You may have heard about the many health benefits of eating a Mediterranean diet, a diet that is known to be rich in olive oil and healthy fats. But what exactly is it about olive oil and the Mediterranean diet that make this style of eating so beneficial for healthy aging, longevity, and protection against disease?

New research has shown that a phenolic compound found in extra virgin olive oil called oleocanthal (OC) is responsible for the many health benefits of olive oil. Oleocanthal is found in olive oil at varying concentrations and has been shown to function as a potent antioxidant, control inflammation, and even combat cancer.

Oleocanthal Combats Oxidative Stress

Our everyday exposure to various environmental insults that cause oxidative stress has a huge impact on our health. Oxidative stress occurs when our bodies are exposed to compounds called free radicals. Free radicals can attack biomolecules, causing them to oxidize or otherwise change their structure.

They can also cause biomolecules to react with each other, producing harmful compounds that damage healthy cells. This damages the delicate biology of humans which results in degenerative illnesses such as cancer and heart disease, aging us faster than normal and potentially causing us to die before our time.

However, there are compounds in nature called antioxidants that can fight against these diseases.

Oleocanthal is one such antioxidant found in extra virgin olive oil. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects on the brain and may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. [1, 2]

While oleocanthal has been studied on and off for some time, it rose to fame when researchers from Hunter College at City University of New York found that oleocanthal rich olive oil can selectively target cancer cells, while preserving healthy cells.

Olive oil itself is an excellent source of monounsaturated fats, which may help prevent cardiovascular disease by reducing cholesterol levels in your bloodstream. Olive oil may also protect against diabetes because it contains several antioxidant phenols that improve insulin sensitivity, which helps control blood sugar levels after eating carbohydrates.

When it comes to oleocanthal specifically, it has been shown to have antioxidant properties along with anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects. These are all amazing things for your health.

Oleocanthal Controls Inflammation

Oleocanthal is a pungent compound that may slightly stimulate the back of the throat when you consume it. For most people, swallowing oleocanthal rich olive oil will feel like you caught a few flecks of pepper in the back of your throat. Earlier research discovered that oleocanthal was responsible for this type of pungency in certain types of cold pressed extra virgin olive oil.

This stimulation of the back of the throat is similar to that caused by ibuprofen. Similar yo ibuprofen, oleocanthal has been shown to block a key enzyme linked to inflammation, called COX-1. [3] Because of this, oleocanthal can function as a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory agent.

Oleocanthal has also been shown in studies to effectively treat inflammation without causing serious side effects, such as stomach upset or nausea (which are common with other prescription drugs)!

As with other phenolic compounds found in extra virgin olive oil, like polyphenols and hydroxytyrosol, it is thought that the general health benefits of oleocanthal are related not only to its capacity as an anti-inflammatory agent but also due to its ability to act as an antioxidant.

The Cancer-Fighting Abilities of Oleocanthal

A recent research study has suggested that oleocanthal can extend lifespan in humans by killing cancer cells. [4] In particular, the researchers confirmed that oleocanthal shows great promise as an anticancer agent, because it selectively kills cancer cells without harming normal ones.

They also found that oleocanthal could reduce cancer metastasis, which is when malignant cells have already spread throughout the body.

Oleocanthal exerts these effects by disrupting the proteins associated with metastasis (cancer progression) and angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation). In other words, it blocks a protein required for cancer cells to spread throughout your body and form new tumors, while simultaneously making it hard for tumors to get adequate blood flow. That’s an effective one-two punch.

One advantage oleocanthal has over conventional cancer treatments is that it specifically attacks the mitochondria of cancer cells, which are their energy source. [5] Because it targets the mitochondria of cancer cells and not healthy cells, oleocanthal could be better at selectively killing cancer cells than conventional treatments that pose a greater risk of damaging normal tissue.

Researchers from Hunter College at City University of New York found that another way oleocanthal can selectively target cancer cells is by damaging a part of the cancer cell called a lysosome, which functions as the cell’s recycling center for proteins and other waste products. [6]

This selective effect has been seen in animal studies and mouse models of pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer—when mice were treated with oleocanthal, their survival rates increased by almost 30% compared to those who received no treatment at all.

These results indicate that this substance could be an effective way to treat certain types of cancer without damaging healthy tissues or causing unwanted side effects like nausea or hair loss (which can occur with chemotherapy). In humans, the cancer-killing properties of oleocanthal have been documented to benefit patients with early-stage chronic lymphocytic lymphoma, as well. [7]

Functional Benefits of Oleocanthal

As mentioned above, oleocanthal has been shown to kill cancer cells with fewer side effects than conventional treatments like chemotherapy. This unique capacity could make oleocanthal a potential alternative or addition to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, both of which are invasive, expensive treatments with serious side effects that often do not target cancer cells effectively enough for complete remission or recovery.

There are several functional benefits of oleocanthal as well, which include that oleocanthal: 

  • Is a natural food derivative
  • Is safe for you (the host) and your healthy, non-cancerous cells
  • Can be consumed at home without a prescription
  • Tastes good – Oleocanthal rich olive oil can be drizzled on salads, eggs, veggies, and other foods
  • Is relatively inexpensive (most bottles of oleocanthal rich olive oil range in price from $35 to 100)

Put simply, oleocanthal appears to be effective at both cancer prevention and reversal. Thus, for people who are diagnosed with cancer, there may be benefits to adding oleocanthal rich olive oil to your diet. With this said, you should always discuss any changes to your diet and lifestyle with your doctor, because your individual situation could be unique.

Olive Oil Brands that are Rich in Oleocanthal

Having share the compelling benefits of oleocanthal rich olive oil, not all olive oils are created equal.

To reap the maximum benefit of oleocanthal, it is essential to look for a brand which emphasizes the polyphenol content of its product and is especially rich in oleocanthal.

Here are five suggestions for oleocanthal rich olive oil products that you can explore:

  1. Oh! Polyphenol Rich Limited Edition Extra Virgin Olive Oil, OlivefromtheRaw.com – $26
  2. OleoTrue Extra Virgin Olive Oil, oleatrue.com, $30 – $57+
  3. Sole che Sorge, OlivefromtheRaw.com – $45
  4. HYPERELEON Extra Virgin Olive Oil, hypereleon.com, $48 – $78+
  5. ATSAS Olive Oil, Amazon.com, $45 – $89

For what it is worth, the first olive oil brand listed above is the one that I buy and none of those are referral links. They are simply brands that I like and trust.

How Much Oleocanthal Rich Olive Oil to Eat per Day?

After learning about the health benefits of oleocanthal, a common question is, how much oleocanthal rich olive oil should you try to eat per day?

Personally, I try to eat 2-3 tablespoons of oleocanthal rich olive oil a day, typically by drizzling it on food. My favorite way to eat oleocanthal rich olive oil is to mix it with balsamic vinegar and a few Italian herbs to create a salad dressing.

However, I also like to:

  • Drizzle it on vegetables, like sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli, or roasted potatoes
  • Mix it into smoothies
  • Pour some on my morning eggs
  • Dip (gluten-free) bread or toast into it
  • Use it as a cooking oil when cooking at low heats

The smoke point of most Extra Virgin Olive Oil is 410°F, so it’s safe to use in most cooking applications. With that said, given that I often end up be paying $25 or more per bottle (and sometimes as much as $100 for premium brands), I typically use it in its pure and unaltered state.

The other reason for this is that most of the research on oleocanthal was conducted using unheated extra virgin olive oil, so I wouldn’t recommend introducing in unneeded scientific variables.

Also, when I’m in a rush or being particularly practical about my health, I simply pour a spoonful of oleocanthal rich olive oil into a spoon and swallow it.

Cancer Prevention with Oleocanthal Rich Olive Oil

To summarize, oleocanthal is a natural component of extra virgin olive oil, found in varying amounts in different brands of oil. This phenolic compound has been demonstrated to function as a potent antioxidant in combating oxidative stress, controlling free radical production and promoting healthy aging.

In addition, there is evidence that oleocanthal can act as an anti-inflammatory agent to provide pain relief and treat inflammation.

Numerous research studies have been published recording the ability of oleocanthal to treat cancer in both humans and mice. There is also a mounting body of evidence to suggest that oleocanthal rich olive oil can assist in warding off other diseases, particularly neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s.

To sum it up, one of the easiest ways to extend your healthspan and reduce your risk of disease may be to add a bit of high-quality olive oil to your diet that is rich in oleocanthal.

What questions do you have about oleocanthal rich olive oil and are you consuming it? Share your experience in comments below.

References

  • Pang, Kok Lun, and Kok Yong Chin. “The Biological Activities of Oleocanthal from a Molecular Perspective.” Nutrients, vol. 10, no. 5, Nutrients, May 2018, doi:10.3390/NU10050570.
  • Parkinson, Lisa, and Russell Keast. “Oleocanthal, a Phenolic Derived from Virgin Olive Oil: A Review of the Beneficial Effects on Inflammatory Disease.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 15, no. 7, Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute  (MDPI), July 2014, p. 12323, doi:10.3390/IJMS150712323.
  • Beauchamp, Gary K., et al. “Phytochemistry: Ibuprofen-like Activity in Extra-Virgin Olive Oil.” Nature, vol. 437, no. 7055, Nature, Sept. 2005, pp. 45–46, doi:10.1038/437045A.
  • Pei, Tiemin, et al. “(−)-Oleocanthal Inhibits Growth and Metastasis by Blocking Activation of STAT3 in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma.” Oncotarget, vol. 7, no. 28, Impact Journals, LLC, July 2016, p. 43475, doi:10.18632/ONCOTARGET.9782.
  • Cusimano, Antonella, et al. “Oleocanthal Exerts Antitumor Effects on Human Liver and Colon Cancer Cells through ROS Generation.” International Journal of Oncology, vol. 51, no. 2, Int J Oncol, Aug. 2017, pp. 533–44, doi:10.3892/IJO.2017.4049.
  • Goren, Limor, et al. “(-)-Oleocanthal and (-)-Oleocanthal-Rich Olive Oils Induce Lysosomal Membrane Permeabilization in Cancer Cells.” PLoS ONE, vol. 14, no. 8, Public Library of Science, Aug. 2019, doi:10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0216024.
  • Rojas Gil, Andrea Paola, et al. “The Effect of Dietary Intervention With High-Oleocanthal and Oleacein Olive Oil in Patients With Early-Stage Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Pilot Randomized Trial.” Frontiers in Oncology, vol. 11, Frontiers Media S.A., Jan. 2022, p. 5746, doi:10.3389/FONC.2021.810249/BIBTEX.
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*Disclaimer: Nothing in this article or on this site should be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional for any questions you have regarding your health or a medical condition.
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“As an LGBTQ+ entrepreneur, real estate investor, former USA Rugby Player, and fitness fanatic, I’ll teach you what your parents and teachers should’ve taught you, but didn’t know themselves.” -Cade Hildreth

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Because it’s the New Year, let’s talk about ch Because it’s the New Year, let’s talk about change...

For a long time, I’ve thought about top surgery. I remember when I was 6 or 7 years old when I wanted to run around outside on a hot, sunny day with my shirt off…and I first saw my parents… hesitate. Ughh. 

It wasn’t their fault but I still remember that heart wrenching feeling. To their credit, they ultimately said, “Ok, go do it!” While I did “do it”, I remember the feeling of shame that crept in.

Over the years, being in affirming sporting/rugby circles helped suppress the urge to get top surgery, but it never quite “stayed down.”

So last summer I got keyhole #topsurgery. I’ll talk about recovery in another post because it was definitely weird to not strength train for months.

But in THIS post, I want to share two things:

1. I am SO grateful to my wife Erin for being the supportive and growth oriented partner that she is. 🥰🙏❤️ 

She is now following her call to get a divinity degree and she’s already working in ministry as a Pastor in Training at an incredible, inclusive Presbyterian church here in Virginia. I am grateful to her for supporting me as I become more and more of who I am—and I’m enjoying watching her do the same! Love you, babe!

2. Second, I’m grateful to get to share who I am with my family. This summer we took a trip to Madden’s resort in MN to celebrate my parent’s 50th wedding anniversary. (It was actually their 52nd, because we had to postpone it twice due to Covid.)

I was nervous to be in the pools and lakes around them, but I could feel it was my only choice because I knew I wanted them to “know me”. And, how could that happen if I “hid me”?

Ultimately, I have to tell you…it was freeing to be me, as I am, who I am. 

I had the BEST time splashing around and biking and goofing around with my wife, niece, nephew, & sister. 🌊🏖🐟

So, I suppose, this is a gratitude post to thank those who have supported me over the years as I become more and more of who I am. 

Top of that list is my wife, Erin, but there are countless others. ❤️

If you’re reading this, thank YOU for being one of those people in my life too. I am deeply grateful. 🥹
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#lgbtqfamily #nonbinary
How to set a boundary? 🤔 . . . . #lgbtqia #lgb How to set a boundary? 🤔 
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#lgbtqia #lgbtqcommunity #emotionalhealth
What do you do if you’re telling a past story ab What do you do if you’re telling a past story about someone who has transitioned? 🤔 Share a 💯 if you agree ➡️🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈
7 things I got clarity on in 2022: 1. Good and b 7 things I got clarity on in 2022: 

1. Good and bad are labels. All things are experiences. 

2. Maturity is taking full responsibility for oneself. 

3. Having a loving, conscious relationship with myself is a core value. 

4. Emotions do not mean that anything has to be done. 

5. When I am in congruence with what I want, I have it. 

6. I have permission from myself to stop doing anything that doesn’t lead to my peace and empowerment. 

7. Stepping toward emotions and being able to feel them is a superpower. It determines the quality of my life. 

(Are there any above that you’d like me to further explain?)
 
Most importantly, which # above resonates with you? ⬆️

Happy New Year, y’all! 🎊🥳
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#lgbtqcommunity #lgbtqiaplus #lgbtsupport #nonbinary #trans #selfgrowth
Interview with Jenny Nguyen, Founder of the Sports Interview with Jenny Nguyen, Founder of the Sports Bra—The World's 1st Bar to Only Play Women's Sports - shorturl.at/doGHZ

I'm excited to introduce you to today's #podcast guest, Jenny Nguyen, who is a professional chef, elite athlete, and entrepreneur.

I invited Jenny onto the podcast because she has done something extraordinary that is long overdue: She has opened up a sports bar that exclusively plays women's sports!

Despite extensive research, Jenny hasn't found another sports bar worldwide that ONLY plays women’s sports.

Given that it's nearly 2023, this is mind-blowing. As a lifelong athlete, I find her vision compelling and inspiring.

Aptly called the "The Sports Bra", the venue is putting Jenny's culinary skills on display alongside women's sports worldwide.

The Sports Bar has taken its mission a even further by partnering with and elevating other local, women-owned businesses.

Specifically, it:

1. Sources its grass-fed beef from @CarmanRanch, an ranch run by Cory Carman, a third gen rancher out of Wallowa, Oregon).

2. Sources its alcohol from Freeland Spirits, an all-women owned and operated distillery out of NW Portland.

3. Has furniture built by @girlsbuild_org, a non-profit organization headed by @ktmhughes in Portland, OR, that teaches carpentry and construction skills to young girls as a path to empowerment.

Since opening the Sports Bra this April, people have come from ALL over the U.S. and the world to experience it—including many professional female athletes.

To learn more about Jenny as she makes history, features women's sports, and elevates women-run businesses, listen to the episode here:

shorturl.at/doGHZ

Or, you can check out the Sports Bra at:

@thesportsbrapdx
TheSportsBraPDX.com/

Have you heard of the Sports Bra or been out to experience it in person?

#lgbtqiaplus #womenownedbusiness #lgbgtqia #lgbtqcommunity #womenssports #womeninsport
Over this recent holiday stretch, we… - enjoye Over this recent holiday stretch, we… 

- enjoyed some quiet time at home
- got a sauna delivered (but not yet installed)
- decorated for the holidays
- baked a bunch
- visited our favorite farm
- did some sight seeing
- and perhaps, most importantly, survived the cold snap along with our feather friends (who lived in the garage for a few days so we could heat them with a space heater) 🥶🐔

How have the holidays treated you…and did you get hit by the winter storms? ❤️🎁☃️❄️
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