Researchers have found that a chemical in
extra virgin olive oil has anti-inflammatory
properties similar to those found in ibuprofen,
reports www.newsmax.com. Even though the chemical
called oleocanthal has a different chemistry
from the pain killer, its non-steroidal and
anti-inflammatory effects are comparable to
those of ibuprofen.
The discovery was made by Gary Beauchamp,
Director, Monell Chemical Senses Centre, Philadelphia,
when he tasted freshly pressed olive oil and
realised the particular burning sensation he
felt at the back of his throat was the same
bitterness and burning he felt when testing
liquid ibuprofen in cold medicines.
“The moment I felt that burn, I saw
the whole picture in my head,” he’s
quoted by The New York Times as saying.
“There’s a natural analogue of ibuprofen
in olive oil and it could have anti-inflammatory
properties, too.”
Beauchamp found the bitter substance in olive
oil was a phenolic chemical which he and his
fellow researchers named oleocanthal. Phenols
are natural antioxidants which help keep the
oil from becoming rancid.
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