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Many previous studies have explained the many health benefits of olive oil, such as the potential to protect the brain from Alzheimer's disease (commonly known as dementia).
This is achieved by activating special cellular pathways (previously attributed to red wine) related to the prevention of age-related diseases and life extension. However, new research points out that olive oil alone is not enough to trigger these benefits. On the contrary, the theoretical effect of olive oil will become more prominent if you combine exercise with reduced calorie intake (moderate diet).
"We have discovered how this fat works," explains Dr. Doug Mashek, research lead
It must first be stored in microscopic objects called lipid droplets (this is how our cells store fat). Then when fat breaks down during exercise or dieting, it's time to achieve signalling and benefit.
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Obviously, there are many wonderful processes in biology waiting for us to unravel the mystery, so as to benefit related research results for human beings.
Going forward, Dr. Doug Mashek hopes to improve the way health care will help doctors come up with better responses to different diseases.
Details of the study have been published in the journal Molecular Cell. The original title was:
Lipid Droplet-Derived Monounsaturated Fatty Acids Traffic via PLIN5 to Allosterically Activate SIRT1