Eat Olive Oil to Boost Bone Health

Posted by admin

August 23, 2012

Osteoporosis and bone fracture rates have always been lower in the Mediterranean basin than in other parts of Europe, and now, Spanish researchers believe they have isolated one reason why: olive oil. The findings are published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.

A study of 127 men who ate a Mediterranean diet rich in olives and olive oils revealed a higher level of osteocalcin in their blood. Osteocalcin is a protein found in bones, and, generally speaking, a higher level of serum osteocalcin means better bone density and overall bone health. Low bone density can lead to osteoporosis and an increased risk of falls and fractures, particularly among the elderly.

“The intake of olive oil has been related to the prevention of osteoporosis in experimental and in vitro models,” said lead author José Manuel Fernández-Real, M.D., Ph.D., in a statement. “This is the first randomized study which demonstrates that olive oil preserves bone, at least as inferred by circulating bone markers, in humans.”

Nutrition

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