Air pollution is hard on lung function. The more particulate matter in the air, the greater the likelihood blood vessel function in the lungs will be compromised. A new study of 42 healthy individuals shows that taking olive oil supplements for a month before being exposed to polluted air helps protect blood vessel linings.
This was a randomized trial that compared olive oil to fish oil or nothing. While the fish oil did not offer significant protection compared to control, the olive oil kept blood vessels flexible so that circulation was not significantly impaired. It also reduced the risk of blood clots. The dose of olive oil used was three grams per day, a little more than half a teaspoon.
[American Thoracic Society 2014 International Conference, May 21. 2014]
While it is clearly preferable to avoid heavily polluted air, this interesting research suggests that there are some ways to help our bodies defend themselves. Many people suspect that olive oil is one of the critical components of the Mediterranean diet and its activity may explain the diet’s benefits for peripheral artery disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke. Extra virgin olive oil, which is rich in polyphenols as well as monounsaturated fatty acids, may be the best choice for health.
