Olive Oil - A Pain Reliever?

Researchers have discovered a compound in olive oil that mimics the pain-relieving action of ibuprofen. While the compound, oleocanthal, is not present in large enough levels to provide substantial pain-relief effects, researchers believe long-term consumption of olive oil may help protect against certain diseases such as certain cancers and cardiovascular disease. This discovery also provides an explanation for the well known health benefits of an olive oil-rich Mediterranean diet.