A recently conducted study, the results of which have been published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, suggests that the olive oil-rich Mediterranean diet may produce even more health benefits than were previously suspected.
Much has been written regarding the various health aspects of the Mediterranean diet and it has gained in popularity significantly since numerous, in-depth studies began back in the 1960s. Evidence has shown that people adhering to the regimen have a reduced likelihood of suffering cardiovascular episodes and of contracting type-2 diabetes.
A ten-year study published in JAMA, the Journal of American Medical Association, contributes the following of a healthy lifestyle while adhering to the Mediterranean diet with a 50% decrease in early death probabilities.
How to Increase Bone Density and Development
Add to the list of probable health benefits of the Med diet an increase in bone density and development.
While not all experts agree, the recent study of 127 elderly men in Southern Spain who regularly ate what is known as the Mediterranean diet, which includes high amounts of olive oil, displayed a significantly increased presence of the protein osteocalcin, which is a prime agent in the formation of bone.
Other, parallel studies conducted specifically on olive oil have suggested its numerous health benefits in combating heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, oxidative stress, rheumatoid arthritis and obesity.
Osteoporosis, which is known to be the most prevalent bone disease in the U.S., affects greater than ten million Americans and is said to be the cause of approximately two million bone fractures annually.
While the majority of those affected are post-menopausal women, men are also affected, with nearly one-third of the osteoporosis-related bone fractures suffered by them.
So….go ahead and eat 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil a day (You can use it to season salads or pasta), minimize milk consumption and eat more foods to boost your bone health.
