One of the most important concerns of people around the world these days is the coronavirus and ways to combat it. As you know, the coronavirus is still not fully understood. Various treatments and medications have been proposed and offered to fight this widespread virus. However, in this article, we will discuss one of the substances that has a plant-based and natural origin, and its consumption is recommended during these times, which is olive oil, especially extra virgin olive oil.

You surely know that olive oil has numerous benefits and is recommended in most diets. But have you ever thought about the impact of olive oil on coronavirus? In a time when no definitive solution for preventing or treating coronavirus has been identified, some evidence suggests that olive oil can help us combat the coronavirus disease. Stay with us until the end of this news to take a closer look at the role of olive oil consumption for coronavirus.

The relationship between diet and coronavirus

A very important point regarding the relationship between diet and coronavirus is that if you pay more attention to choosing suitable foods and incorporating them into your daily diet during these special times, you will see a significant positive impact on your body's resistance to this virus. We will further examine one of the suitable diets for these times and the impact of olive oil on coronavirus.

The Mediterranean diet and its effect on the immune system

Dr. Maskoujouri and his colleagues research diets and their effects on people's bodies. They emphasize the positive impact that healthy nutrition can have on individuals' resistance to viruses like coronavirus in their studies and note:

When we have a healthy diet, the nutrients found in these foods, such as antioxidants in fruits, vegetables, etc., strengthen our immune system. As a result, they help us become less susceptible to chronic diseases that increase the risk of contracting coronavirus.

The Mediterranean diet is one of the diets that is highly recommended, especially during these times. The focus of this diet is on the daily consumption of healthy and nutritious natural foods. The main foods in the Mediterranean diet include olive oil, fruits, fresh vegetables, protein-rich legumes, fish, and whole grains with a small amount of meat.

Dr. Simon Poole, who has specifically researched extra virgin olive oil and the Mediterranean diet, says:

The risk of contracting coronavirus is higher for individuals who are obese, diabetic, or have cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, the Mediterranean diet, especially extra virgin olive oil, which holds a special place in this diet, primarily prevents the onset or progression of such diseases.

The effects of this diet and the nutritious substances in it can be very rapid. Sometimes, changes resulting from adhering to this diet can be seen in individuals within just a few weeks. For example, a person who is predisposed to diabetes and is approaching this disease is likely to move further away from it within a week by adopting this diet, significantly reducing their risk of developing diabetes.

The Mediterranean diet and its anti-inflammatory properties

Dr. Zabatakis and his research group are among other researchers who have studied the Mediterranean diet. They also discuss the relationship between this diet and the reduction of body inflammation:

The Mediterranean diet is valued not only for its antioxidant properties but also for its anti-inflammatory properties and consequently its significant importance in strengthening the immune system. According to research conducted so far, the more inflammation individuals have, the more likely they are to encounter more serious cases of COVID-19. Individuals with systemic inflammation (such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity) are at a higher risk of contracting the coronavirus than others.

The nutrients found in the Mediterranean diet have anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, and antioxidant properties. Therefore, they are likely to prevent or weaken the inflammation that increases the risk of contracting COVID-19.

Extra virgin olive oil in the Mediterranean diet

As mentioned, olive oil is one of the main food items in the Mediterranean diet. Therefore, based on the points discussed above, all the mentioned properties can be considered as part of the effects of olive oil on coronavirus. This is because olive oil, especially extra virgin olive oil, contains the healthiest substances and is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Extra virgin olive oil: anti-inflammatory and health defender

Dr. Magiats from the University of Athens, while awarding prizes for the best extra virgin olive oils containing phenols, emphasized the nutritional value of extra virgin olive oil, stating: "Olive oil, especially olive oil containing phenolic compounds, can greatly assist in the health of individuals, especially in these difficult conditions we are facing worldwide."

In fact, high-phenolic extra virgin olive oil can be considered a means of protecting individuals' health and strengthening the body's defense system against many diseases.

Extra virgin olive oil and its potential antiviral properties

In addition to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties recognized regarding the effects of olive oil on coronavirus that we mentioned, extra virgin olive oil contains compounds with antiviral properties, although their effects against the coronavirus have not yet been proven. For example, a group of researchers studying the properties of olive oil claims that the compound oleuropein, which is one of the main components in the phenolic compounds of extra virgin olive oil, has strong antiviral properties against several types of viruses.

Additionally, in another separate study, it was concluded that oleuropein has significant antiviral activities against the "syncytial" virus, which is a type of respiratory virus, as well as against parainfluenza virus type 3. Other research has also discussed the antiviral effect of hydroxytyrosol (another compound from the phenolic compounds found in extra virgin olive oil) against the influenza virus.

Extra virgin olive oil: a treasure of properties

As we mentioned, extra virgin olive oil contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties that can protect the body against viruses and bacteria. However, this is not necessarily true for non-extra virgin olive oil! Studies on non-extra virgin olive oil have also shown that this oil reduces inflammatory activities in individuals, especially those with autoimmune disorders. Therefore, regular olive oil also has beneficial effects on human health, especially on the immune system. However, according to studies, non-extra virgin olive oil does not enhance the body's resistance to pathogenic agents. Therefore, from the totality of these studies, it can be concluded that the olive oil that is particularly useful and applicable for combating the coronavirus is extra virgin olive oil.

A newer scientific study refers to "hydroxytyrosol" (which is another phenolic component). According to this study, this substance, found in olive leaves and olive oil, has anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties and provides protection against heart diseases.

Moreover, scientists are currently proving that "hydroxytyrosol," which is currently the most discussed natural phenolic substance, has significant medicinal potential. Therefore, by choosing extra virgin olive oil, we will easily have access to some of the best natural nourishing substances that enhance the effects of olive oil on coronavirus.

Is olive oil effective for coronavirus?

As a conclusion from the discussed points, it can be said that olive oil, especially extra virgin olive oil, is one of the most valuable nutrients in diets and a healthy lifestyle. Extra virgin olive oil can strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation as well as stress that increases the risk of diseases. This is exactly what we need in these times of combating the coronavirus.

Of course, do not forget that it is always emphasized that the antiviral properties of olive oil for coronavirus should not be overestimated. The results obtained in laboratories may differ from some real-life situations. In fact, in real conditions, there are factors and exceptions that may not have been considered in laboratory studies.

According to the research we mentioned, using a diet like the Mediterranean diet, which places a strong emphasis on the consumption of extra virgin olive oil, can have its unique effects in strengthening the immune system against the coronavirus. However, it is clear that this does not mean disregarding other proven treatments or ignoring health guidelines.

Is olive oil consumption effective for COVID-19? What do recent studies say?

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