(16-02-11) Olive oil and raw green diet lower systemic inflammation and improve cardiovascular health

by John Phillip, citizen journalist

(NaturalNews) Systemic inflammation is a significant factor known to
accelerate the aging process and is an underlying mechanism behind most chronic
illnesses including cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Low grade
inflammation increases body temperature and initiates degradation of the
delicate endothelial lining of the vascular system. This process is known to
cause metabolic instability and is linked with the proliferation of heart
disease, diabetes, cancer and dementia. Polyphenols from extra virgin olive oil
have been shown to significantly reduce the expression of genes that trigger
systemic inflammation and can be used along with natural diet to lower the
risks from cardiovascular disease.

Olive Oil and Greens Lower Risk of Heart Disease by More Than 40%
The protective nature of a diet high in raw leafy greens and olive oil cannot
be understated. Leafy greens and raw green vegetables are packed with folate,
which is known to lower levels of circulating homocysteine that increases risk
of coronary artery disease and heart attack. Olive oil contains powerful
antioxidants that neutralize free radicals before they can deteriorate normal
metabolic function.

The outcome of an Italian study published in the American Journal of Clinical
Nutrition demonstrates how a natural diet of greens and vegetables and olive
oil can slash the risk from cardiovascular disease by nearly half. Researchers
collected dietary data from 30,000 middle-aged women and compared the cardiac
event occurrence during an 8 year period.

They found that women with the highest daily consumption (one serving or about
2 ounces) of raw vegetables such as spinach or endive had a 46% lower risk of
developing heart disease compared with women eating less than 2 servings per
week. The authors also found that consuming at least an ounce of extra virgin
olive oil each day lowered the risk of a cardiac event by 44% compared to those
who consumed a half-ounce or less. The authors concluded that there is "an
inverse association between increasing consumption of leafy vegetables and
olive oil and CHD risk."

Olive Oil Tames Inflammation by Influencing Genes
Extra virgin olive oil is packed with antioxidant compounds and squalene that
directly regulate genes that trigger inflammation in the body. The result of a
study published in the journal BMC Genomics demonstrated the effect of olive
oil on white blood cells that mount an inflammatory response when potential
invaders are detected.

The oil was found to reverse the deleterious effect of inflammation caused by
stress, obesity, high blood pressure and blood glucose. Extra virgin olive oil
turns off multiple inflammatory genes that are activated as a consequence of
metabolic syndrome, effectively providing a protective shield against
cardiovascular disease and other chronic illnesses driven by persistent
inflammation.

Systemic inflammation represents a serious health concern to an aging
population and those at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. A solid body
of science confirms the health promoting effects bestowed by a raw diet of
leafy green vegetables and powerful antioxidants found in extra virgin olive
oil. Be certain to include these tasty food choices in your daily menu to
ensure vibrant health and longevity.

Article References:
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUS...
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2...
http://www.ajcn.org/content/early/2...

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