EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL. SKIN & AGEING

Olive oil is rich in antioxidants, vitamin E and polyphenols. These play a positive biological role in eliminating free radicals, the molecules involved in some chronic diseases and ageing and in extending life expectancy. This has been demonstrated in several epidemiological studies.

Olive oil has a favourable effect on bone calcification. Bone mineralisation is improved the more olive oil is consumed. It can help calcium absorption, therefore playing an important role during the period of growth and the prevention of osteoporosis.

Olive oil has a large proportion of vitamins A, D and K, as well as vitamin E, which are the main source of protection against the free radicals that produce cell oxidation. This makes a good aid in specific therapies to treat skin disorders such as acne, psoriasis and seborrheic eczema.

Olive oil rich diets may prevent memory loss in healthy elderley people. Less possibility of suffering age-related cognitive decline has been observed in a study conducted on elderley people administered diets containing a large amount of monosaturated fats, the case of olive oil particularly.

Exactly how large quantities of these fats prevent cognitive decline is not known. However, this effect is believed to occur because the monounsaturated fatty acids may help to maintain the structure of the brain cell membrane since the demand for these acids appears to grow during ageing.