During the tasting of Bellverd olive oil at the olive oil fair in Espolla, some of you found that the oil stings the throat. Of course, this feeling is not systematically perceived by everyone, as some are more sensitive than others. In any case, this sensation has a scientific explanation in relation to the quality of the olive oil.

Why does olive oil sting at the end of the throat?
Ultimately, there is a scientific explanation in relation to the quality of the olive oil.
As Gary emphasizes, it is due to Oleocanthal a natural organic component of extra virgin olive oil.

Do you know the story of Gary Beauchamp and the discovery of Oleocanthal?

It is one of the most significant discoveries of the last century.
Although the traditional use of olive oil dates back to ancient times, research on the specific compounds that affect our health is current.

Origins

Gary Beauchamp is a scientist at the Monell Institute in Philadelphia. In the early 2000s was involved in research on the sensory properties of ibuprofen.
Chance led him to Italy, to the beautiful Sicily, where he was invited to taste extra virgin olive oil.
He tasted it for the first time.

He noticed the “tingling sensation” of the oil because it reminded him of a similar property of ibuprofen.
This kind of tingling that oil sometimes leaves in the throat and that many consumers complain about.
So, was there a connection between HOVE and ibuprofen?

This travel anecdote and Gary’s question led to research that led to the isolation of the molecules responsible for this tingling.
Which we perceive as a kind of irritation in the throat when we swallow the oil.

It is Oleocanthal.

This study, published in 2005, is one of the most important elements in relation to the beneficial properties of olive oil.
Also is the starting point for a world of research, most of which are still ongoing.
It demonstrates the importance of this natural compound which is only found in extra virgin olive oil.

It makes you itch or It makes you tickle ? This is due to the presence of Oleocanthal. Its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties are comparable to those of ibuprofen. Obviously without the undesirable side effects of this popular medication.

Etymology

This is also where the etymology of the name given to this molecule by Dr. Beauchamp comes from: Oleo-Canth-Al:
Oleo from Latin: Oil
Canth from Greek, thorn (for the irritation)
Al: from the chemical compound aldehyde.

You never stop learning, do you?

Why does olive oil sting at the end of the throat? Did you feel this with Bellverd olive oil too? If so, that’s very good news, so be reassured!

Specific Studies on Oleocanthal

There is currently a lot of research on the properties of Oleocanthal.

One of the most incredible studies ever conducted was by Paul Breslin of the Monell Center, supported by biologists and oncologists David Foster and Onica Legendre of Hunter College.
Here they demonstrated that Oleocanthal is able to kill cancer cells within 30 minutes without harming healthy cells.

This study was conducted in vitro. Oleocanthal works by destroying lysosomes, malignant cells.

This discovery was published in Molecular and Cellular Oncology.

In parallel, Amal Kaddoumi and her team describe in the article published in the prestigious journal ACS Chemical Neuroscience, the results of experiments on mice. Reduction in the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques responsible for Alzheimer’s disease was observed in the mice injected with Oleocanthal.

Current information and research are not definitive yet, but they seem promising.

Recommendations for Use

To enable Oleocanthal, as well as the other polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil, to have protective effects on our health, daily and regular use is recommended.

 Four tablespoons per day of extra virgin oil rich in Oleocanthal is equivalent to taking 125 mg of ibuprofen, which according to researchers from the Andalusian Society for Oleocanthal, is a good basis for preventing or fighting chronic inflammatory processes.

Vanessa (0034) 671.26.05.48

www.bellverd.com