Preliminary laboratory tests show the antioxidant compounds found in virgin olive oil are effective against several strains of H. pylori bacteria, which infect the lining of the stomach.
In the study, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, researchers state that “Helicobacter pylori is linked to a majority of peptic ulcers and to some types of gastric cancer, and resistance of the microorganism to antibiotic treatment is now found worldwide.”
“Virgin olive oil is an unrefined vegetable oil,” researchers continue, “that contains a significant amount of phenolic compounds. Under simulated conditions we have demonstrated that these substances can diffuse from the oil into the gastric juice and be stable for hours in this acidic environment. In vitro, they exerted a strong bactericidal activity against eight strains of H. pylori.”
Researchers say these results must now be replicated in humans. But if future studies confirm the findings, incorporating virgin olive oil into your diet may help treat or prevent painful stomach ulcers.
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 55(3):680-686, 2007
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