Olive oil may keep your bones strong: Study finds people who consume more have higher levels of osteocalcin protein – a marker of strong bones
Osteocalcin may help prevent insulin resistance
Olive oil is good for the bones, suggests a study from Madrid University.
In a two-year project, researchers found that people who consumed more olive oil had higher levels of osteocalcin.
This is a protein secreted by bone-forming cells. High levels of osteocalcin are a marker of strong bones.
One theory is that osteocalcin may help prevent insulin resistance, where the body becomes immune to the effects of the hormone. This has been linked to weaker bones.
Another study, from the University of Athens, found a diet high in olive oil and low in red meat was linked to healthier bone density in women throughout adult life. The researchers say antioxidants may be responsible.
The incidence of osteoporosis is lower in the Mediterranean, where the traditional diet is rich in olives and olive oil.
Source: Daily Mail