A compound found in olive oil may prevent formation of brain tumors, according to a study by British scientists. Researchers at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology at the University of Edinburgh found that oleic acid – a monounsaturated fatty acid found in olive oil – prevents tumor formation by halting cancer-causing protein activity in the brain cells.
The researchers reached their conclusion after testing the effects of oleic acid on living, human cells and cell extracts. Therefore, they say that they are unable to conclude whether consuming olive oil protects against brain cancer. [Read more Olive oil may reverse the damage caused by high-fat diet and CURE fatty liver disease]
However, the researchers believe their study could pave the way to new strategies to prevent the disease.
Study co-author Dr. Gracjan Michlewski, of the Wellcome Trust Centre, and colleagues reported their findings in the Journal of Molecular Biology.
Olive oil has been touted as the “healthiest ingredient in the world.” It has been used to consecrate kings, bless babies, and anoint athletes. For centuries, people have used olive oil as food, medicine, perfume, and moisturizer.
The health benefits of olive oil are far-reaching; studies have associated the oil to decreased risk of heart disease and obesity, as well as cognitive enhancements.
About brain cancer
Brain cancer is detected by the presence of a malignant (cancerous) tumor in the brain.
American Brain Tumor Association estimates 80,000 new cases of primary brain tumor diagnosis in the U.S. this year. Of these cases, around 26,000 will be malignant.
Brain cancer is the most common form of cancer among children 14 and under, and it is the main cause of cancer-related death in this group.
The study
In previous research, oleic acid had been shown to impede the disease-causing activity of specific proteins.
Hoping to bank on this finding, researchers set out to determine how oleic acid affects the activity of proteins miR-7 – a microRNA responsible for the inhibition of brain tumor formation. [Read more What causes aging? Can the process be slowed?]
To reach their conclusion, the team tested oleic acid’s effects on living, human cells and cell extracts.
The researchers found that the compound impedes the action of a cell protein called Musashi homolog2, which halts the protein from stopping the production of miR-7. This mechanism prevents the formation of brain tumors.
The scientists call for further studies in order to determine whether olive oil consumption can help prevent brain cancer. However, they say their current results are promising.
Dr. Michlewski concludes:
"While we cannot yet say that olive oil in the diet helps prevent brain cancer, our findings do suggest that oleic acid can support the production of tumor-suppressing molecules in cells grown in the lab. Further studies could help determine the role that olive oil might have in brain health."
Different types of olive oil
The key term for choosing good olive oil is “extra virgin.” Virgin olive oil (VOO) is made with less fresh olives, while extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is made from the freshest olives. EVOO, therefore, is less acidic and more stable when heated. “Light” olive oil or plain olive oil, on the other hand, are chemically refined versions that do not contain the health benefits of olive oil.
The key term for choosing good olive oil is “extra virgin.” Virgin olive oil (VOO) is made with less fresh olives, while extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is made from the freshest olives. EVOO, therefore, is less acidic and more stable when heated. “Light” olive oil or plain olive oil, on the other hand, are chemically refined versions that do not contain the health benefits of olive oil.
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