Protection Against Serious Disease

Consuming foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and certain oils (like extra virgin olive oil), can help reduce oxidative stress and its associated damage. These foods provide essential nutrients and bioactive compounds that enhance the body's antioxidant defences. 

Causes of Oxidative Damage: 

1. Environmental Factors: Pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke, and exposure to certain chemicals. 

2. Internal Factors: Normal metabolic processes, inflammation, and immune responses. 

3. Diet: High intake of processed foods, alcohol, and foods low in antioxidants. 

Also known as oxidative stress, this occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and the body's ability to detoxify these harmful by-products or repair the resulting damage.  

Consequences of oxidative stress: 

- Ageing: oxidative damage accumulates over time, contributing to the ageing process. 

- Chronic diseases: linked to the development of various diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's and Parkinson's), and cancer. 

- Inflammation: oxidative stress can trigger inflammatory responses, which can further increase ROS production, creating a vicious cycle. 

A switch to daily consumption of olive oil is proven to support healthy living.