As we age, we lose bone mass.
The older we get, the more we lose. What’s worse, as our bone density decreases, our risk of fractures increases. And so does our risk of osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis sure isn’t rare here in the U.S. Over ten million people – both men and women – suffer from this bone disease. 1
It’s just part of “getting old,” right? Maybe not.
You see, fractures and thinning aren’t as nearly common everywhere…
Research reveals that people who live in the Mediterranean region have the lowest incidence of hip fracture.2 Scientists think their diet could be the reason why. And one group of researchers set out to prove how that’s possible…
As a result, they uncovered a “new,” natural way to help minimize bone loss. It doesn’t require a doctor’s prescription. And best of all, you probably have this product in your cupboard right now.
What is it?
Extra Virgin Olive Oil!
Research already shows that a Mediterranean diet supports cardiovascular health.3 And now you’ve got even more reason to reach for the olive oil.
A new study from Spain suggests adding it to your diet may protect your bones.
Dr. José Manuel Fernández-Real led the study, published in the Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 4 He and his team observed 127 men aged 55 to 80. The men were randomly assigned to three different groups:
- Low-fat diet (control group).
- Mediterranean-style diet plus mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts).
- Mediterranean-style diet plus extra virgin olive oil.
After two years, the greatest bone-protection was shown in the men who followed a Mediterranean-style diet plus olive oil.
The researchers also discovered these men had higher levels of calcium. And as the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine observed, “osteoporosis is often attributed to a lack of calcium.”5
Higher calcium levels AND stronger bones?
Now we’re cooking (with oil)…
Fernández-Real’s study is the first of its kind to prove how olive oil can help support bone strength.
“The traditional Mediterranean diet, rich in fruit and vegetables, with a high intake of olives and olive products, mainly olive oil, could be one of the environmental factors underlying this difference,” the authors wrote.5
Based on this study, dietitians recommend:
- fruit, vegetables, and legumes;
- white meat and fish;
- homemade tomato sauce with garlic, onion, and spices;
- moderate consumption of red wine.
And most significantly… extra virgin olive oil.
Adding it to your diet is a safe, natural, and easy way to improve your health. Science supports it.
Use organically-grown, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil when possible. It’s the least processed. And it’s the most delicious and nutritious. Try it as a sauté or sprinkle it over a bed of rice, pasta, garden salad, or veggies.
References:
1http://www.ucsfhealth.org/tests/001073.html
2http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14217984
3http://www.biblioteca.uma.es/bbldoc/tesisuma/16602365.pdf
4http://nccam.nih.gov/health/osteoporosis
5http://jcem.endojournals.org/content/early/2012/07/31/jc.2012-2221.short